A British man has been arrested in Dubai after he allegedly filmed missiles during the growing US-Iran war, a campaign group has said. The 60-year-old from London, who has not been named, was on holiday in the Gulf city when he was taken into custody, according to Detained in Dubai.
The man deleted the video immediately when asked to, and meant no harm, yet still faces charges, Detained CEO Radha Stirling said.
The human rights advocate said the Briton is among 21 people, of various nationalities, who have been arrested under United Arab Emirates (UAE) cyber crime laws. He is currently being held in the Bur Dubai police station after being taken into custody on Monday, according to The Telegraph.
The man is accused of having used “an information network or information technology tool to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security”, according to Ms Stirling.
“The charges sound extremely vague, but [are] 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. Under UAE cyber crime 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.”
If convicted under the UAE’s cyber crime laws, the 60-year-old could face up to two years in prison, or a fine ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 200,000 (around £4,000 to £40,000), or both, as well as deportation.
The punishment could be compounded if multiple counts are applied, meaning that a person who reposts clips or articles could theoretically face cumulative charges and sentences.
The arrest comes as the UAE fends off attacks from Iran, which are part of a retaliatory military effort in response to airstrikes from the United States and Israel. The country’s ministry of defence says it has engaged with 1,514 UAVs and 268 ballistic missiles since the aggression began, with drones affecting the airport and damaging a hotel.
Ms Stirling said the authorities are highly sensitive due to the current regional tensions, with some suspects reportedly questioned after simply recording, or temporarily filming, missile interceptions.
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She said: “There are countless images, videos and news reports circulating online about the conflict. People understandably assume that if something is already widely shared or published by media outlets, it must be acceptable to comment on or repost it. In the UAE, that assumption can be extremely dangerous.
“Foreigners need to understand that what may seem like normal social media behaviour elsewhere can lead to arrest in the UAE,” she added. “In some circumstances, people can find themselves treated as national security suspects before the facts are even clarified. That can mean being taken to specialised CID facilities for interrogation, and held for extended periods in facilities known for human rights abuses and torture.
“In times of regional tension, authorities can become hypersensitive, and innocent mistakes can quickly escalate into extremely serious and dangerous situations for foreigners.”
