Expats sentenced to death in UAE acquitted

A Briton and Syrian sentenced to death for drug dealing in Abu Dhabi have been acquitted, UAE media reported on Wednesday.

The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal cleared 19-year-old Syrian, MB, and 21-year-old Briton, NL, of dealing with hashish but sentenced them to four years in jail followed by deportation for possession, The National reported.

According to court records, the Syrian was arrested for selling AED500-worth hashish, which he reportedly got from the Briton, 7Days reported.

The pair's lawyers argued that photo evidence from police did not show any drugs.

The verdict was welcomed by the duo's families and lawyers.

"This verdict was expected," the Briton's lawyer told The National, adding that they may consider appealing the jail term as well.