Kamikazee guitarist's hearing in Dubai postponed.
Led Zeppelin Tuyay, guitarist of popular Filipino rock band Kamikazee, may have to stay in detention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) longer than expected after his hearing on a drug-related charge was postponed.
Online news site Khaleej Times reported there is no date yet for the hearing of Tuyay, who has been detained at the Dubai International Airport since his arrival December 4.
Philippine Consul General in Dubai Benito Valeriano said the Consulate has been notified of the postponement of the hearing to a date yet to be set. He said the first hearing was originally scheduled on Thursday.
"Now, we have to wait for further notice. Although his family keeps calling us at the Consulate requesting for the deportation of Tuyay, it is not for us to decide but the Court of UAE," he said.
Airport officials arrested Tuyay after they found specimens of marijuana in his luggage.
Valeriano said police interrogated Tuyay at the detention cell December 11, and then charged him for illegal possession of prohibited drugs.
If found guilty, Tuyay would be banned from entering the UAE and would be jailed according to the findings of the prosecution and a UAE Court decision.
Tuyay was in Dubai with the other members of the Kamikazee rock band for the Rakrakan Fest 2008, a rock concert organized by ABS-CBN Middle East, at the Dubai Festival City on December 5.