The court also ordered the confiscation of the amounts of money found with the two beggars.

Two women, who had been caught begging from worshippers at a mosque, were sentenced to one month in jail each by Dubai Court of Misdemeanors. They will be deported after serving their jail terms.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the amounts of money found with the two beggars.

Khaled Hasan Al Muttaweh, assistant chief prosecutor, who handled the investigation, said the two women, both on visit visas, were apprehended in the busy area in cooperation with the law enforcement authorities. The duo was then taken into police custody and referred to the public prosecution for investigation.

"They confessed in front of the prosecution investigator that they amassed amounts of money by begging from worshippers at a mosque. They also solicited financial help and sympathy from passers-by in that busy area. The two had come to the area to shop and also brought food with them to sell."

The assistant chief prosecutor added that the women were then referred to the Court of Misdemeanors to stand trial on a begging charge as per the articles of the Federal Penal Code.

Al Muttaweh called on everyone to fight begging and never sympathise with beggars while reporting them to the authorities.

He warned the public of the dangers of such a negative phenomenon that poses a threat to the safety and security of society. "There are accredited charities in the UAE and their doors are always open and they help and reach out to all the needy people."

mary@khaleejtimes.com