Safi Qurashi ends 'hunger strike'

The family of a businessman who claims to have been on hunger strike in Dubai Central Jail said he has ended his protest following a meeting with senior prosecutors.

Fellow inmates of Safi Qurashi, said the 43-year-old suffered chest pains and breathing difficulties a week ago.

His family said they have persuaded him to eat again after a meeting with senior lawmen and an assurance that his case would be referred to the cassation court.

Qurashi is serving a seven-year prison sentence for bouncing cheques worth millions of dirhams. He has appealed against the verdict on multiple occasions but has lost each time.

Yesterday his wife, Huma, said: “Safi has agreed to suspend his hunger strike until the end of the month. He wasn’t willing to do so at first as he had promised his next meal would be with his children but I reassured him that this is a significant step forward and could see him released very soon once the cassation judges review the cases.”

She added: “Safi looked very weak and tired but there is a sense of relief in knowing that this nightmare will come to an end soon.

“Our lawyers intend to apply for bail immediately while the cases are reviewed and we hope that this time it will be accepted.

“With the holidays and Ramadan just around the corner, I am really hoping to have my husband home while the courts do their work.” Qurashi was one of 19 prisoners who have been protesting in Dubai Central jail against conviction for fraud.