UAE: Judicial investigation into Flydubai plane incident
The UAE Public Prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the Flydubai plane incident after it was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Abu Dhabi – Agencies: The Emirates News Agency (WAM) announced yesterday that the country’s Public Prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the incident that occurred during Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a confrontation in the cockpit. The investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, as well as whether it is linked to “terrorist activity or purpose, or whether there was prior planning or direction.”
For its part, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Union’s Public Prosecutor, Advisor Dr. Hamad Al-Shamsi, ordered the formation of a team of specialized public prosecution members to investigate the incident involving the Flydubai flight. In a statement, the ministry clarified that the investigation aims to determine the circumstances and causes of the incident, in light of the airline’s announcement regarding a confrontation inside the cockpit during the flight, which necessitated the intervention of crew members on board to secure the aircraft.
The ministry affirmed that the UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident in accordance with prevailing legislation, given that the aircraft is registered in the country and flies its flag, which entails the application of UAE law to crimes committed on board, even if they occur outside the country’s territory.
The ministry noted that the investigations will cover all circumstances and motives of the incident, and assess whether there is any link to terrorist activity or purpose, or any prior planning or direction. The UAE expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi authorities, commending their cooperation and handling of the incident.
The ministry stressed the importance of relying on information and data issued by official sources, and avoiding the dissemination of speculation or unverified information, until the investigations are completed and their results are announced.
