UAE students face charges after lighting Sharjah high school on fire twice

Students and staff at a public high school in Sharjah suffered a near-death experience after suffocating from two fires within a span of 48 hours earlier last week.

Local police, the ministry of education and other concerned authorities called for investigations after noting the repetition of events.

The fire started in a restroom and spread towards the prayer room.

Since then, a number of students reportedly accused with starting the arsons are currently facing charges, reported Khaleej Times.

Speaking to the newspaper, the Sharjah Educational Council Chairman, Dr. Saeed al-Kabi, said: “A delegation from the Sharjah education council visited them [the school] and ensured that they were in good health.”

He also said that if the ongoing investigations prove that the fires were indeed started by students “the issue will not be taken lightly.” Such “destructive behavior,” as Kabi puts it, is not tolerated by the authorities.

According to a legal consultant from al-Rowad Advocates, Hassan Elhais, criminal activities which involve starting a fire and damaging property can land an individual up to seven years in prison in accordance with the UAE penal code.