HELLO

Emirati man wrongfully arrested in US seeks $200 million in damages

An Emirati man detained in Ohio after being wrongfully linked with Islamic State has refused to accept an apology from American officials, Khaleej Times reported.

Ahmed Al Menhali was detained in Avon last week after a female clerk at a local hotel called 911 to report what she had described as a man pleading allegiance to the terrorist organisation.

Mayor of Avon Bryan Jensen and Police Chief Richard Bosley apologised to Al Menhali late on Saturday in a meeting in nearby Cleveland arranged by CAIR and televised by WEWS, Cleveland’s ABC affiliate, Reuters reported.

“There were some false accusations made against you, and
those are regrettable,” Jensen told Al Menhali. “No one in the police department meant to disrespect you,” added Bosley. “You should not have been put in that situation.”

Speaking over the phone, Ahmed Al Menhali, father of three, toldKhaleej Times he will not settle for less than $200 million for the physical, psychological and financial damages he had endured.

“I could see the hate in their eyes. Their intention was to kill me,” said Al Menhali, who had been visiting Cleveland, Ohio for business and medical check-ups for his health complications, including a previous heart stroke.

According to the businessman, the apology was carried out without taking into account the statements of the hotel or the clerk responsible for making the call. Menhali termed the apology “merely a cover” on the hate incident to which he was a target.

“I am happy an apology came through. It means that there’s a step forward, but that does not mean their apology is accepted nor that I will give up on my right,” the businessman said.

Further, Menhali termed the incident an attempt to disrupt businesses that were bound to fetch income for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry summoned the US deputy
ambassador to protest the “abusive” treatment the businessman
endured, UAE state media reported.

Following the incident, United Arab Emirates urged men to avoid wearing the white robes, headscarf and headband of the national dress when traveling abroad. “For citizens traveling outside the country, and in order to ensure their safety, we point out not to wear formal dress while traveling, especially in public places,” the message dated July 2 stated, without referring to the Avon incident.