Police arrest 3000 over Al Hamra riot

More than 3000 workers from Ras Al Khaimah-based Al Hamra Construction Company were arrested by Dubai Police last week for rioting.

Indian ambassador to the UAE Talmiz Ahmad told Construction Week that "a handful of people broke into violent acts after getting drunk."

"Not all the workers are guilty," said Ahmad.

According to Ahmad, a single prison did not have the capacity to accommodate all the workers so they were divided and taken to five prisons located in different areas of the emirate.

"I understand that all the workers are not guilty so we've asked the Dubai authorities to let go of those who are not as soon as possible. We haven't reached any decisions yet on what action will be taken against the guilty workers but the UAE law has provisions for deportation and even imprisonment."

A spokesperson from Al Hamra Construction Company refused to discuss the July 4 incident and said: "We will only be able to give you details as to what happened once the entire case is closed. It is now in court and we have no idea how long it could take or what the outcome will be."

Ahmad said some of the workers got violent onsite and allegedly began to assault some administrative and security staff.

The strike is the second largest violent demonstration since a Burj Dubai strike in 2006, when thousands blocked roads and pelted police with stones.

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