The United Arab Emirates has borne the brunt of Iran’s attacks directed towards its Gulf neighbours [Getty]
A UK citizen was arrested while holidaying in Dubai after he was accused of filming missiles fired at the country by Iran, according to campaign group Detained in Dubai.
The tourist, 60, is facing charges despite deleting the video when asked to, according to Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling. He has been held at the Bur Dubai police station since Monday, the Telegraph reported.
Stirling said the man faces charges of using “an information network or information technology tool to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda”.
“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,” Stirling said.
“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,” he added.
The man, who has not been named, faces up to two years in prison, or a fine ranging between 20,000 to AED 200,000 ($5,400 to $54,500) if found guilty.
According to Stirling, the man is one of at least 21 people from different countries arrested by Emirati authorities under cyber crime laws.
Following the United States and Israel’s launch of a war on Iran in late February, the Islamic Republic retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and US military bases in the Gulf states.
Dubai is a major financial hub in the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates, which hosts US bases and has close relations with Israel, has borne the brunt of Iran’s attacks directed towards its Gulf neighbours.
Amid the war, authorities in the UAE have warned citizens and residents not to share “fake” and “misleading” footage of the conflict.
