The lawyer representing the woman charged with murdering a teacher in an Abu Dhabi mall has challenged the testimonies of the non-Muslim witnesses, arguing that they are ‘invalid’ under Sharia Law.

Abdulqader Al Haithami, who is representing Alaa Al Hashemi, argued that the testimonies of those witnesses who are not Muslim should be disregarded, according to a report in The National newspaper.

“The law states cases of murder according to Sharia law are not proven unless they are pleaded by the council of judges, testimony of two male witnesses, or by the oath. The oath taken by the witnesses is invalid as they are not Muslim,” he said.

Emirati Alaa Bader Abdullah Al Hashemi (30) is on trial at the Federal Supreme Court accused of stabbing Ibolya Ryan (37) to death in a toilet cubicle in Boutik Mall on Reem Island on December 1 last year.

Al Hashemi was also charged with making an explosive device with the aim of harming others, creating an online account to promote terrorist ideas, spreading information that harmed the country and donating funds to a terrorist organisation.

Her lawyer also argued that the medical reports that say Al Hashemi is not suffering from a mental illness were “contradictory”.

“The first report shows she is suffering from many emotional and mental issues and said it was crucial to have the defendant referred to an internal mental department under strict notice, while the other found her responsible for her actions,” he said.

Al Haithami argued that his client was under the influence of her husband and that she was forced to sign the investigation files.

“She is unaware and weak-willed and I call for her acquittal or a lesser penalty,” Al Haithami said.

The verdict in the case will be announced on June 29.