Families condemn UK ‘impotence’ over UAE ‘social media misuse’ detentions

Plumes of smoke rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE. More than 100 foreign nationals are in jail accused of sharing material related to the conflict. Photograph: Altaf Qadri/AP

The families of UK citizens held in the United Arab Emirates over allegations that they shared images of the conflict with Iran have voiced frustration at the British government’s failure to help.

Several British citizens are among more than 100 foreign nationals who have been detained under draconian Emirate rules that outlaw publishing or sharing material that could “disturb public security”.