(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Rolla in Sharjah was eerily quiet after the winter rains on Monday evening. Khaleej Times Senior Photographer Sajjad Mohammed was on the lookout for pictures for a story he was doing with Principal Correspondent Afkar Abdullah on illegal herbal medicine sales. He stumbled upon a small shop selling some herbs near a restaurant and enquired if he could buy some of the stuff.
Three Afghans led him inside and he soon realised they were peddling strange cures for all kinds of ailments, including sexual disorders. He struck a few deals for bulk purchases of the illegal stuff and then decided to shoot straight with some pictures. A few clicks later, one of the Afghans, realised something was not right with this customer and asked for Sajjad's phone, which he refused to hand over.
"Are you from the police?," the man enquired menacingly.
Sajjad said no, "but I know the cops", he added to get out of the sticky situation.
"They turned on me, all three of them, shoving and beating me and yelling," recalled Sajjad.
The assault continued even after he was pushed out of the shop. The men took turns raining blows on him as people watched.
"No one tried to stop them," said Sajjad, who felt like he was passing out. Someone cried out, "Call the police!"
The beating suddenly stopped during which time Sajjad gathered his wits and strength to find his way home, punching his phone's buttons to reach Afkar, who alerted the police of the assault.
A complaint was filed at the Al Gharb police station and Sajjad was admitted to Kuwaiti Hospital.
Police acted swiftly and a team rushed to the shop and arrested two of his assailants. Another suspect is on the run and is believed to be in Al Ain.
Reacting to the assault, Khaleej Times Executive Editor Patrick Michael said: "This cowardly attack on our photojournalist, who was only doing his duty, cannot and should not be tolerated and severe action should be taken against those responsible."
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