UK NATIONALS WARNED AGAINST DOCUMENTING UAE INCIDENT SITES OR DAMAGE

LONDON, March 13 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- British nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been warned about the consequences of sharing pictures or videos documenting war-related incidents amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, reported PA Media/dpa.

The warning comes after a British tourist was charged under cybercrime laws in Dubai over alleged video footage showing missile strikes.

The man, 60, is accused of “broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security”, campaign group Detained in Dubai said.

Radha Stirling, the group’s chief executive, said the man had said that he deleted the video from his phone when asked and had no intention of doing anything wrong.

Dubai, which is in the UAE, has been hit with missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel.

On Friday the British embassy in the UAE posted on X: “UAE authorities warn against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites or projectile damages as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions.

“British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.”

In a post on Instagram, the embassy said the UAE authorities have issued “several warnings” regarding the photographing, publishing or sharing of images and videos “documenting incident sites or damage resulting from the fall of projectiles or shrapnel”.

The post continued: “Under UAE law, ‘sharing’ can include posting on social media platforms as well as sending or forwarding content via messaging applications.

“UAE law also restricts the photographing of certain sites, including government buildings and diplomatic missions.”

Detained in Dubai said the 60-year-old man was one of 21 people charged under cybercrime laws in connection with videos and social media posts relating to the recent missile strikes.

The group said penalties in such cases can include up to two years in prison.

Stirling said: “The charges sound extremely vague but serious on paper.

“In reality, the alleged conduct could be something as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that is already circulating online.”

She added: “Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posts content can be charged, but so can anyone who reshapes, reposts or comments on it.

“One video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges.”

The Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with local authorities after a British man was detained in the UAE.

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa