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Arrest of Emirati man in US 'was so close' to tragedy

The government of the United Arab Emirates has advised its citizens not to wear traditional attire abroad. It follows the arrest of an Emirati businessman by police in Avon, Ohio.

The government of the United Arab Emirates has advised its citizens not to wear traditional attire outside the region. It follows the arrest of an Emirati businessman by police in Avon, Ohio in the US.

Bodycam footage showed Ahmed al-Menhali - who was wearing a white ankle-length robe and headscarf - being pinned to the ground at gunpoint by officers. Police had received false reports he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Avon's mayor and police chief have since apologised to Mr Menhali, who was recovering in Ohio after treatment following a stroke.

"It's certainly not indicative of what happens in this city," says the mayor, Bryan Jensen. "We certainly have prided ourselves on welcoming everyone."

Mr Menhali "handled himself remarkably well," he added.

"It was so close. The situation could have gotten really bad. We have to give all the credit to the sheikh, in terms of how he handled himself."

This clip is originally from Up All Night on Monday 4 July 2016.

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