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Dubai: The Chief of Dubai Police has said it seems that Sharla Musabeh, the owner of the City of Hope women's shelter, is suffering from psychological problems.
Women at the shelter had previously told Gulf News that she had profited from their misery and sold their stories to international media as well as treating them like servants. One woman even claimed that she sold her newborn.
"She is ignoring and neglecting UAE laws and justice. No one should give any attention to what she has said through the international media which she is using to attack our country," Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said.
"We do not need to defend ourselves. I call what is published in international media about the UAE as unprofessional and a cheap shot at the UAE."
Previously Sharla had told Gulf News she was being "targeted by organised crime and ignorant people in the system."
She is currently in Ethiopia where she is opening a City of Hope branch. Dr Khalifa Al Shaali, dean, faculty of law at Ajman university said in Dubai the government had taken an initiative to open a well-equipped foundation which is run by professional national and international professionals. Women of any nationality can receive help at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children.
If it can be proved private shelters are operating illegally, for example if practices such as prostitution are being conducted there, they will be closed immediately, he said.
Violence against women is not acceptable in the UAE where Islamic rules are established according to religious scholars, lawyers and and police officials.
"The foundation for women and children in Dubai is doing a great and credible job by helping women in trouble no matter who they are," Dr Al Shaali said.
General Khamis Matter Muzaina, Director-General of Dubai Police's CID said in an Islamic tribal society in the UAE no man would beat up a woman.
Men who beat up women are considered "cowards" in this society. Domestic violence cases are very rare," said Dr Khalifa Al Shaali, dean, faculty of law at Ajman university.
"The yearly police statistics in the country prove that domestic violence is very rare," he said.
He added that the Punitive Federal Law deals with domestic violence very strictly.
"By law woman are given the final word in domestic violence cases," he said.
Major General Al Muzaina said at all police stations there are special centres for family and social care to deal with problems between family members.
"It is part of our job to protect our society," he said.
"We deal with all people in the same way regardless of their nationality, religion, colour, social class, age or sex. Everybody living or visiting our land is as important to us in equal way," he said.
The constitution of the country protects the rights of all those who are in our land, he said.
"We do not want anyone to teach us morals and proper behaviour. We have our traditions and respectful life," Major General Al Muzaina said.
Dr Omar Abdul Kaffi, a prominent Egyptian Islamic scholar based in the UAE said Islam always respects women.
"The UAE Family Affairs Law protects women in the UAE and gives them rights," he said.
He added that journalist must have some ethics and respect and they should write what they know and the reports should be credible.
"Journalists from the international media should not accuse others and their societies. Instead they should work on bringing the whole world together."
By law women are given the final word in domestic violence cases."
Dr Khalifa Al Shaali, Faculty of Law, Ajman University
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