Minnesota Man Released After 9 Months In UAE Prison

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A 29-year-old American man has been released from a prison in the United Arab Emirates where he was held for nine months over a parody video posted online.

Shezanne Cassim, of Woodbury, Minn., was arrested in April after posting the video about youth culture in Dubai.

Jennifer Gore, a spokeswoman for the family, said Cassim will arrive back in the U.S. Thursday afternoon.

In December, Cassim was sentenced to a year in prison, a fine and deportation. He learned Tuesday that he'd be released after getting credit for time served and time off for good behavior.

The UAE-owned daily, The National, has said Cassim and others were accused of defaming the country's image abroad.

Cassim's supporters say he was charged under a cybercrimes law that tightened penalties for challenging authorities.