British couple convicted for public smooch seeks appeal in Dubai
By APSunday, March 14, 2010
British couple appealing Dubai kiss conviction
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A British couple is appealing a jail sentence after being accused of sharing a passionate kiss in a Dubai restaurant.
Cosmopolitan Dubai has the most lenient social codes in the Gulf, but authorities can still crack down on people charged with pushing the limits.
Ayman Najifi, a Briton working in Dubai, and a female tourist were arrested in November after a complaint about public kissing. They were convicted of inappropriate behavior and other charges — bringing a month in jail.
The couple says it was just a “peck on the cheek.” A court Sunday set the appeal for April 4.
In 2008, two Britons were sentenced to three months in jail for what authorities described as sex on the beach. The sentences were suspended.
