A British man is among 20 people charged in the United Arab Emirates under cybercrime laws for filming and sharing material related to Iranian attacks on the country. The 60-year-old, believed to be a tourist visiting Dubai, was charged under a law prohibiting the sharing of material that could disturb public security.
The case was highlighted by Detained in Dubai, an organisation offering legal assistance. Despite widespread sharing of footage from Iranian strikes on social media, the man was arrested after police found a video on his phone, even though he had allegedly deleted it immediately when challenged.
According to the official case summary, those accused are alleged to have used information networks to broadcast, publish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security. Radha Stirling, head of Detained in Dubai, noted that charges can apply to anyone who shares, reposts or comments on such content.
Penalties can include up to two years in prison, fines of 20,000 to 200,000 AED (£4,000–£40,000), and deportation for foreign nationals. Stirling warned that multiple counts could lead to cumulative sentences, even for innocent actions.
The case comes amid tight restrictions on journalists and the public in the Gulf region during heightened tensions. Authorities are particularly concerned about images disclosing the location of missile strikes or interceptions.
