Abu Dhabi Teacher Imprisoned For Two Years Over Assault On Four Students

A teacher in Abu Dhabi has been sentenced to two years in prison for physically assaulting four students at a private school. The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court also ordered his deportation from the UAE after serving his sentence and directed him to pay all judicial fees.

 

The teacher admitted to striking the four students inside a classroom, causing injuries that left them unable to attend to their personal affairs for a period of up to 20 days.

 

During investigations and subsequent court proceedings, the defendant confessed to assaulting the students. He claimed that his actions were intended to prevent them from creating disorder and disrupting the lesson, and that he had been trying to discipline their behaviour.

 

However, CCTV footage from inside the classroom provided further evidence of the incident. The recordings clearly showed the violence used against the students, supporting the defendant’s confession and demonstrating the severity of the assault.

 

In its judgment, the court described the teacher’s conduct as a blatant violation of the laws and regulations governing individual safety and public order. It stressed the need for firm enforcement of the law to protect individual rights, maintain public security and deter conduct that exposes others to harm.

 

The court also observed that the assault had taken place inside a school during a lesson, making the incident particularly serious. Such behaviour, it said, undermines personal safety and threatens the security and stability that educational institutions are expected to maintain.

 

In a statement, Abu Dhabi’s Judicial Department said the ruling reflected the importance of safeguarding students and ensuring that violations affecting their physical safety were dealt with firmly.

 

Physical Assault Prohibited

 

Physical punishment or assault by teachers against students is prohibited under UAE law and may amount to a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances, the conduct can also result in administrative or disciplinary proceedings, including dismissal from employment.

 

The National Child Protection Policy in Educational Institutions, issued in 2022, defines physical abuse as causing physical harm or injury to a child, or failing or being unwilling to prevent such harm.

 

Under the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law, an assault resulting in injury or illness may attract imprisonment and a fine. The applicable punishment depends on the nature of the assault, the extent of the injuries and the circumstances in which the offence was committed.