21 people have been accused of breaking the UAE laws against filming or uploading social media posts of conflict
A British tourist is facing two years in prison for allegedly filming Iranian missiles flying over Dubai while on holiday. The 60-year-old man from London is one of 21 people accused of breaking the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) strict laws against filming or uploading social media posts of conflict, according to legal advocacy group Detained in Dubai.
The man was arrested in Dubai on Monday, March 9. He is said to have deleted the footage from his phone immediately when asked by authorities, and claimed to have had no knowledge of committing any offence, The Mirror reports.
Radha Stirling, director of the London-based Detained in Dubai organisation, said: “Amongst those charged is a British man who says he deleted the video immediately when asked and meant no harm, but is still among those facing charges.
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“The official allegation relates to: ‘broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security.’
“Under UAE cybercrime laws, one post can lead to many arrests. Anyone who shares, reposts or comments on the same content can face the same charges. and be named on the same charge sheet. The charges are vague and broad but serious nonetheless. Those charged could face lengthy prison sentences.
“Residents could also be detained under national security laws, held indefinitely, denied access to their embassy and be subjected to human rights abuses. In times of tension, extreme caution is advised.”
Prosecutors in the UAE had warned last week over the risks of sharing “rumours” about incidents in the UAE amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
A social media post from UAE Public Prosecution said: “Any person who shares or reposts content from unknown sources shall be subject to legal accountability in accordance with the applicable legislation, even if they are not the original creator of such content. Be aware and informed… Information is a responsibility, and spreading rumours is a crime.”
Iranian drones have continued to hit Dubai over the past 24 hours despite Tehran ‘apologising’ to its Gulf neighbours last week for the impact of the war. Two drones launched from Iran fell near Dubai International Airport yesterday, leaving four people injured.
And authorities rushed Dubai Creek Harbour area late last night after another drone struck a high-rise building, sparking a fire on several floors. Photographs taken this morning showed windows blown out and smoke damage on a section of the building’s façade.
The Dubai Media Office said multiple emergency teams responded to the incident in the waterfront district, with residents evacuated as a precaution.