UAE Charges 21 Over Filming Missile and Drone Attacks Under Cybercrime Laws
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has charged 21 individuals, including foreign nationals, under its cybercrime laws for filming and sharing videos or images related to recent missile and drone attacks. These developments were reported by Detained in Dubai, a legal assistance organization.
The charges stem from prohibitions against circulating content that authorities deem could incite public opinion or disturb national security.
Arrests and Charges
Among those charged is a 60-year-old British tourist, who was arrested in Dubai after reportedly filming a missile passing overhead. He had deleted the video upon police request prior to his arrest. The UK's Foreign Office has confirmed contact with local authorities regarding his detention.
Other reported cases include:
- An Indian university student who filmed a missile attack and shared it in a family group chat.
- A Filipina domestic worker detained after an image related to the attacks was found on her phone.
- A Vietnamese sailor detained in Fujairah for allegedly sharing video of missile activity filmed outside UAE territory.
- Two French nationals who were previously arrested for filming missiles but were later released without charges.
Plainclothes police officers have reportedly been conducting arrests of individuals observed filming missile strikes.
UAE Cybercrime Laws and Penalties
The charges fall under the UAE's cybercrime legislation.
The law prohibits the broadcasting, publishing, republishing, or circulating of false news, rumors, or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security. The law also states that reposting or commenting on such content can lead to charges.
Penalties for breaching these laws include a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 UAE dirhams (approximately $54,000). Individuals can face multiple charges.
UAE authorities have issued warnings against circulating photos or videos of attack sites or inaccurate information, indicating that such actions could lead to legal consequences and compromise national security. The UK Embassy in the UAE has also advised its nationals that they are subject to UAE laws, and violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Context of Recent Attacks
The UAE's defense ministry has stated that the country's air defenses were addressing missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran.
Reports indicated that sounds heard in various areas resulted from air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets intercepting drones and loitering munitions. These incidents occur as the UAE is among Gulf Arab countries experiencing retaliatory fire from Iran.