A teenager in Dubai, sentenced to life for murder, is attempting to reverse his conviction through an appeal. His legal counsel asserts that the 19-year-old acted in self-defense when he fatally stabbed a 33-year-old man outside a shisha café in the Business Bay area in May 2023. The Dubai Court of First Instance initially found the youth guilty of 'premeditated murder'. However, defense attorney Massouma Al Sayegh of Dar Al Balagh Advocates argued before the Dubai Appeal Court that there was no 'deliberate intent' to kill. She explained that the victim initiated the violence by attacking her client with a chair, prompting the teenager to defend himself. Additionally, five friends of the defendant were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for aiding and abetting, with all six set to be deported post-sentence. The defense presented documents showing that the altercation began when the victim's friend verbally assaulted the defendant inside the café, leading to a physical confrontation. The lawyer emphasized that the defendant had no premeditated intention to kill and was merely defending himself. The Dubai Police arrested the suspects less than 24 hours after the incident. The case took a new turn when it was revealed that the victim had previously threatened to kill the defendant, prompting him to seek refuge in Dubai. The defense is seeking a reduced sentence under article 98 of the Penal Code, considering the defendant's young age. The Appeal Court is due to deliver its verdict in July.