Tourist arrested for filming rockets in Dubai.

A British tourist is among 21 people charged under the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) cybercrime laws after allegedly filming Iranian missiles causing damage in Dubai during the Middle East conflict.

The 60-year-old tourist was arrested in Dubai earlier this week despite assuring police that he had deleted the video from his phone.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, described the list of charges as "extremely vague but serious in theory." "In practice, the alleged conduct could be as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that has already gone viral," she said, adding: "Under UAE cybercrime laws, the original poster can be prosecuted, but anyone who edits, reposts, or comments on that content can also be prosecuted. One video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges."

Dubai's famous Burj Al Arab hotel was engulfed in flames after being struck by debris from a drone on February 28.

PHOTO: X

All 21 individuals are accused of using information networks or information technology tools to broadcast, upload, repost, or disseminate false news, rumors, or inflammatory propaganda that could destabilize public opinion or affect public security.

If convicted, they could face up to two years in prison, or fines ranging from $7,700 to $77,000, or both.

Foreign nationals will also be subject to compulsory deportation.

Mr. Stirling also warned that multiple charges could be filed. This means that someone who reposts multiple videos or articles could face cumulative charges and multiple sentences.

Countless images, videos, and news reports about the conflict are circulating online. People often assume that if something has been widely shared or published by the media, then commenting on or reposting it is acceptable. In the UAE, that assumption can be extremely dangerous.

"Taking photos of the surroundings is a natural reflex, but the authorities are being overly sensitive, and the real danger may not be Iranian missiles in the air, but rather the UAE authorities' reaction to what people are posting online," he said.

The building was struck by a drone in the Creek Harbour area of ​​Dubai on March 12.

PHOTO: AP

Previously, the UAE Prosecutor's Office warned that anyone who shares or reposts content from unknown sources will be held legally responsible under current law, even if they are not the creator of that content.

Elsewhere in the Gulf region, more than 200 people in Qatar have been charged under similar laws since the conflict began, according to the news site Detained in Dubai.

For many years, Dubai has built a reputation as a glamorous and attractive destination – and more than 250,000 British citizens have chosen it as their home in recent years, according to news.com.au.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/du-khach-bi-bat-vi-quay-phim-ten-lua-o-dubai-185260313143453766.htm