German rockers The Scorpions have released a statement regarding reports that drummer James Kottack (pictured above, far left) has been jailed in the United Arab Emirates after being convicted this week for alleged misconduct at the Dubai airport.
“Dear fans,” posted the band. “When James Kottak arrived in Dubai at 3 April, he ran into problems at immigrations and got busted. Whatever happened is totally out of our control and we don’t know any details about it at this point. For the concerts in Germany, Johan Franzon, a Swedish drummer, will take James’ seat. Please understand, we keep you posted.”
The National reported this week that Kottack will spend a month in jail after he was convicted Tuesday of insulting Islam, flashing his middle finger at Muslim passengers at an airport and consuming alcohol.
Kottak reportedly confirmed that he drank five glasses of wine on a flight from Moscow to Dubai while making his way to Bahrain to perform at the country’s Formula One Grand Prix on April 5 when the incident happened on the evening of April 3.
The rocker was with a friend when he said he took a wrong turn and entered the transit hall. “We wanted to wait for the rest of our friends but, mistakenly, ended up at the transit hall,” Kottak told police. There he was arrested for being drunk and, after that, he was seen getting angry and swearing.
Kottack – who has been in police custody since April 3 – admitted to drinking alcohol but has refused the other two charges.
The drummer was sentenced to one month in jail and was fined 2,000 dirhams (approximately US $545) for drinking alcohol without a license.
Read a more detailed report of the alleged incident at The National here.
See also:
Scorpions drummer jailed for alleged misconduct at Dubai airport
Scorpions to perform at Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
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