After undergoing multiple surgeries, the Emirati couple wounded in the deadly mass shooting in Prague in December last year are both in a stable condition, the injured woman's brother told Khaleej Times.
Rowdah Al Mehrizi and Ahmed Ibrahim Al Ali will need to be transferred to Munich, Germany, for further treatment because bullet remains remain lodged in their bodies. They are currently recuperating in a Czech hospital. While Roudha and Ahmed are recovering, Roudha's sister and Ahmed's parents are caring for them.
During the December 21 attack last year, Rowdah, director of marketing and corporate communication at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, and Ahmed, director-general of Umm Al Quwain Municipality, were vacationing in Prague with their children.
As Rowda's brother Khalifa Al Mehrizi explained: "The couple were returning to their hotel around 4.30pm, near Charles University Square, when they heard a series of random gunshots." Suddenly, a gunman appeared from the university balcony and opened fire randomly. Roudha was shot in the chest, while her husband was injured by two bullets."
Deadly attack
As a result of the deadly attack, 14 people were killed and 25 were injured, including Rowdah and Ahmed. David Kozak, 24, was identified as the gunman, a student at the same university with no criminal record, but with an arsenal of weapons. The motive for the crime, which authorities said was the worst mass shooting in Czech history, was not revealed.
In Prague's Old Town, Jan Palach Square is a major tourist area with a view of Prague Castle, across the river from the shooting spot.
The family relations expert and consultant Dr Al Mehrizi shared a video on Instagram earlier showing the size of the bullets used in the attack. He also shared a video of candles people placed at the incident site in memory of the 14 individuals who lost their lives and the 25 others who were injured.
Care and attention
Dr. Al Mehrizi expressed gratitude to UAE leaders for their support and assistance. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personally called the couple to check on their condition. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praised the Czech government for taking care of the wounded Emiratis, while representatives of MoFA also offered support.
Dr. Al Mehrizi noted that the rulers' attention and care reflected their closeness to the people and citizens, as well as Mattar Al Tayer's regular calls.
In addition to checking on Maryam and Latifa's condition, RTA officials wished the couple a speedy recovery and a safe return to the UAE.