21 people, including tourists, have been indicted in the United Arab Emirates for sharing posts about Iranian missile attacks.
Twenty-one people, including a British man visiting Dubai as a tourist, have been indicted for sharing information about Iran's attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Experts are warning that even reposting or commenting on the posts could lead to prosecution.
BREAKING NEWS: 21 Charged Under UAE Cybercrime Laws as British Tourist Caught Up in Missile Footage Crackdown
British tourists among 20 charged in Dubai over videos of Iranian missile strikes | United Arab Emirates | The Guardian
According to UAE investigators, the 21 suspects are accused of 'using information networks or information technology tools to broadcast, publish, republish, or disseminate false news, rumors, or provocative propaganda that could incite public opinion or threaten public safety.'
The 60-year-old British man who was indicted in this case is reported to have saved videos of Iranian missile attacks on his smartphone.
According to Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, a London-based organization that supports international travelers, the suspects could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 dirhams (approximately 8.6 million yen), or both.
CEO Sterling pointed out, 'The charges are very vague. Under the UAE's cybercrime law, not only the person who initially posted the content can be prosecuted, but also those who modify, repost, or comment on it. One video can quickly lead to the criminal prosecution of dozens of people. The suspect in this case may have been prosecuted for simple actions such as sharing or commenting on a video that was already circulating online.'
In the UAE, numerous images and videos related to the conflict in Iran have been taken and spread on social media. However, according to CEO Sterling, the more people share such content, the higher the risk of being prosecuted. He says that anyone who reposts multiple pieces of content, even if completely unaware of their actions, could theoretically face cumulative prosecution and multiple penalties.
Because of these risks, some journalists film on location, hand the footage over to editors abroad, and release it from overseas.
CEO Sterling stated, 'Countless images, videos, and news reports about the conflict are circulating online. It's understandable that people might think it's okay to comment on or repost things that have already been widely shared or made public by the media. However, in the UAE, that assumption can be extremely dangerous.'
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