Maid keeps mum over childbirth

A maid suspected of giving birth out of wedlock has been sent for psychological evaluation after refusing to answer questions from police or a court judge.

The 25-year-old Ethiopian, who was arrested after giving birth, appeared before Abu Dhabi Criminal Court, but refused to answer any questions put to her by a prosecutor and the chief judge, according to a court official.

An official close to the case also said the maid refused to answer questions put to her by a court-appointed translator, who asked her about her marital status.

The woman, who was working for an Emirati employer, complained of abdominal pains several months ago and was rushed to hospital, where medical staff said she

was pregnant.

The maid, who is Muslim and from the rural Arsi Zone of Ethiopia, allegedly told medics she didn’t know she was with child.

A court official said the woman claims she has a husband in Ethiopia but was unable to provide a marriage certificate or prove she and her husband had met in recent months.

Staff at the hospital reported her situation to police, as is required by law when a pregnant woman cannot produce a marriage certificate.

The woman gave birth two months ago and has been held in custody since, along with her newborn.

The court said it could not assess her case until it had received a full evaluation by a court-appointed psychologist.

The woman is due to reappear before the court later this month, when the court will evaluate the psychological report.

sean@7days.ae