Policeman describes scale of 'horror' at home of Wadeema

A policeman investigating the death and possible torture of an eight-year-old girl has described the scene of filth and squalor that greeted him when he went to the child’s home.

The Emirati officer was giving evidence yesterday at Dubai Court of First Instance, where the girl’s father Hamad Saod, 29, and his lover, Al Anood Mohammad Al Ameri, 27, are on trial accused of murdering Wadiyma, eight, and abusing her sister Meyra, seven.

Al Ameri appeared in the dock carrying her one-month-old baby boy, who was born after she was incarcerated.

The policeman said: “We went to the flat and it was upside down and very dirty and nearly impossible for a human to live in.

“We found a bar used to beat the girls and two irons used to burn and torture them. There was only one bed and that meant the girls were sleeping on floor.” Dubai Public Prosecution has called for the death sentence if the couple are convicted.

They claim the defendants subjected the sisters to constant physical abuse at the studio flat in International City, Dubai.

Wadiyma’s body was found buried in the desert, where it had lain for three months. Prosecutors say she died while being tortured and that the defendants tried to cover up their crime by burying her body.

An Egyptian forensic doctor who examined Wadiyama’s body said he could not determine the cause of death as the body was too decomposed.

Meyra, who has been left with disabilities due to beatings, was in court yesterday to give evidence, which was heard in a closed hearing at the request of her father. The case was adjourned.

ali.shouk@7days.ae