Abu Dhabi: A teacher in Abu Dhabi has been sentenced to two years in prison for physically assaulting four students inside a classroom at a private school. The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court also ordered his deportation from the UAE and directed him to pay all judicial fees.
According to the case details, the assault left the students with injuries that prevented them from attending to their personal affairs for periods of up to 20 days.
Teacher Admits to Assaulting Students
The teacher admitted to striking the four students during investigations and before the court. He claimed he acted to prevent them from causing disruption during the lesson and to discipline their behaviour.
However, CCTV footage from inside the classroom supported the case against him, capturing the violence inflicted on the students, according to the authorities.
In its ruling, the court said the incident represented a serious violation of applicable laws and regulations. It stressed the importance of enforcing the law to protect public safety, uphold individual rights and deter acts that threaten people’s security and stability.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department also noted that an assault committed inside a school during a lesson breached public security and order and compromised the students’ personal safety.
Physical Punishment of Students Prohibited Under UAE Law
Physical assault by teachers against students is prohibited under UAE law and may result in criminal prosecution, disciplinary action and dismissal, depending on the circumstances.
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 be punishable by imprisonment and a fine. The applicable penalty depends on the circumstances of the offence and the severity of the harm caused.
