After an Iranian drone struck a residential tower in Dubai’s expat enclave of Creek Harbour on March 12, three survivors were arrested after sending photos of their damaged home in private messages simply to reassure relatives they were safe. Days earlier, 21 people were detained for sharing news of attacks in a private group message. Even these acts were deemed to have violated fuzzy cybercrime laws, which make it an offense “to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumors or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security.” Offenders face deportation, two years in prison, as well as a fine ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 200,000 ($5,450 to $54,500.)
They are just some of the “hundreds” of ordinary folk arrested under these laws since the Iran War began, says Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, which provides legal and diplomatic assistance to foreigners in strife. “That is probably a conservative estimate.” Security officials accost people on the street and insist upon examining their smartphones, or even turn up unannounced at homes with the same demand, says Stirling. “It’s everyone from a Filipina maid all the way to a multi-millionaire. It’s a really broad and draconian enforcement of the law.”
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