Masseuse in dock over locking man in parlour

dubai — A masseuse stood trial on Monday in the Court of First Instance on the charge of depriving a man of his freedom by locking him up in the massage centre where she worked.

The 26-year-old Thai woman allegedly locked the Sudanese man, a PRO, inside the centre to stop inspectors from the Department of Economic Development (DED) from entering the place.

The PRO, 35, told the prosecutor that his sponsor owned the building where the massage centre is located in Al Muraqqabat.

“There were many complaints by the tenants against the centre for immoral activities. Besides, their tenancy contract was expired and so was their business license.”

The shop was closed and the staff were away at the time when some DED inspectors tried to make a visit.

“My sponsor informed the department about the expired licence and they decided to arrange for a visit on May 5 last year.”

The PRO had to tell the centre supervisor (the defendant) that he wanted massage to let him inside the centre.

However, once he was inside she allegedly locked the door. “At that time, I was talking on the phone with one of the DED employees. They were right outside the door.”

The PRO said the woman kept him against his will inside for around 10 minutes and also refused to let the two inspectors in.

The shop was fined. When the PRO reached home, he learnt the masseuses at the centre claimed he harassed them.

“A man with them threatened to deport me if I did not cancel the fine,” said the PRO.