Sharing footage of the attack could lead to jail time, heavy fines or deportation under Gulf state laws.
45 people from different countries have been arrested for sharing videos of Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the country, police in the UAE’s Abidhabi emirate said.
Iran has widely targeted American bases and other assets in the Gulf states since the US and Israel attacked in late February. Tehran says it feels like it “No Hostility” toward its Arab neighbors, but insists that Washington’s facilities “Legitimate Goals.”
Police said on Saturday that the release of videos of the Iran attack could incite public concern and spread rumors within the community. Legal and administrative action has been taken against those responsible, it said.
On Thursday, 21 people, including a 60-year-old British national, were charged in the UAE for filming the strikes under the country’s cybercrime laws, Detended in Dubai consultancy reported.
Under the laws of the UAE, they could face up to two years in prison and a fine of around $5,500 to $54,500; Foreigners are at risk of deportation.
“The allegations are extremely vague, but serious on paper. In reality, the alleged conduct is as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that is already circulating online.” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Bandhit in Dubai.
she warned “Foreigners should understand that normal social media behavior elsewhere can lead to arrest in the UAE.”
On Monday, Qatar said it had arrested more than 300 people for filming the Iranian attacks. A few days later, Bahrain announced the arrest of six people on similar charges. The Royal Ministry of the Interior urged the public “To prevent broadcasting or reposting unreliable videos or news to avoid legal liability.”
“If governments (in the Gulf) start detaining migrants for sharing news or discussing during conflict, they risk undermining the image they have tried to build as safe, modern international hubs.” Stirling emphasized.
Read more:
US burning through ‘years’ of munitions in Iran war – FT
Israel has stepped up censorship during the conflict, beginning with Washington banning live broadcasts showing city skylines during Iranian missile attacks, images identifying the sites of strikes and other content deemed a security threat.
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