A British national has been apprehended in Dubai for capturing footage of missiles striking the city, with charges of cybercrime potentially leading to a two-year prison sentence.
The 60-year-old man from London was taken into custody on the night of March 9. Reports indicate that he deleted the video when requested by authorities and claimed that he did not intend to breach any laws.
He has been charged along with 20 other individuals for sharing footage and social media updates linked to the recent Iranian missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates, as reported by the organization Detained in Dubai.
The charges allege the act of 'broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could jeopardize public security,' which can carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
After his arrest, the British tourist was held at the Bur Dubai police station.
Radha Stirling, the CEO of Detained in Dubai, commented on the incident, highlighting that under UAE cybercrime laws, a single post can lead to multiple arrests. She mentioned that individuals who share, repost, or comment on the same content might face similar charges and be listed on the same charge sheet.
She stated, 'The charges are broadly defined, though serious. Those implicated may confront lengthy sentences.'
Furthermore, Stirling warned that residents might also be incarcerated under national security laws, with indefinite detentions, limited access to their embassies, and possible human rights violations. 'In periods of heightened tension, extreme caution is essential,' she advised.
The Dubai authorities are known for closely monitoring social media and have reacted to the outbreak of conflict by threatening imprisonment for those disseminating information that could incite public panic.
In the initial phase of the conflict, numerous videos showcasing drone and missile strikes circulated widely on social platforms; however, such content seems to have vanished, replaced instead by a wave of posts commending the Dubai government.
The emirate is currently under threat from ongoing Iranian missile and drone assaults as the regime targets US allies in the region.
Today, Dubai experienced a new surge of drone attacks, resulting in a fire at a hotel in Creek Harbour early this morning, followed by a strike on a building along Sheikh Zayed Road at noon, and another incident later in Al Bada.
There are stringent regulations regarding criticism or insults directed at the UAE government or any actions deemed to harm the country’s reputation, which could lead to fines reaching £200,000, imprisonment for up to five years, and possible deportation.
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