A British tourist is among 20 people charged in the United Arab Emirates under cybercrime laws for filming and sharing material related to Iranian missile attacks on the country. The 60-year-old man, from London, was arrested after police found a video of an Iranian missile strike on his phone, despite him having deleted it when challenged.
The charges, brought under UAE cybercrime laws, prohibit sharing material that could disturb public security. Those accused are alleged to have used information networks to broadcast false news, rumours, or provocative propaganda. Penalties can include up to two years in prison, fines of up to AED 200,000 (£40,000), and deportation for foreign nationals.
Radha Stirling, head of Detained in Dubai, which provides legal assistance in the UAE, warned that the laws are vague but serious. She noted that anyone who reshapes, reposts, or comments on a video can be charged, and multiple counts can lead to cumulative sentences. Even reposting widely shared content can be dangerous.
The case highlights tensions in the region, with Gulf monarchies tightening controls amid Iranian drone and missile attacks. Journalists and influencers face risks, as filming or sharing footage of missile interceptions could lead to prosecution. The UAE, known for its influencer culture, has seen widespread sharing of such footage despite the laws.
