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Breaking: Dubai Police Surveillance of WhatsApp

Warning over private WhatsApp communications Dubai Police Confirm Use of Electronic Surveillance to Monitor Private WhatsApp Messages Dubai / London – Dubai Police have confirmed in official internal documents that “electronic monitoring operations” were used to detect a photo shared within a private WhatsApp group, raising serious concerns over surveillance of personal communications in the UAE. According to the police report, authorities state: “Through electronic monitoring operations, a...

UAE surveillance discovers WhatsApp message with photo of rising smoke Authorities admit use of electronic surveillance to track private messages as cabin crew member faces state security case Dubai / London – Detained in Dubai can confirm that another flight attendant has been detained in Dubai under the UAE’s federal cybercrime laws after sharing an image related to recent regional attacks. In a concerning development, authorities say he was identified through “ active electronic surveillance” . A 32-year-old cabin crew member for Emirates Airlines has been held in custody for over a month following his arrest in the early hours of 8 March. He is currently detained at Al Qusais Police Station but fears he will be transferred to Abu Dhabi, which places him at higher risk of extended detention and lengthier sentences if convicted. According to his family, the young man had only just returned to Dubai after being stranded abroad due to flight disruptions and had not seen or been made aware of any official warnings or restrictions regarding the sharing of images or information. A simple date specific Google search shows how little published information there was at the time. In the early hours of 7 March, after being woken by a loud explosion and feeling his room shake, the cabin crew employee took a single photograph on his phone and shared it privately via WhatsApp with colleagues, asking whether it was safe to leave for work or remain where he was. He did not publish the image publicly or intend to cause alarm. The image was subsequently forwarded by others. Despite this, he has been treated as a serious criminal suspect, accused of offences relating to state security and public order. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai , said “This is not someone spreading misinformation or attempting to undermine the state. He was reacting to what he believed was a dangerous situation. He had just arrived back in the country, had not seen any warnings, and simply shared an image privately with colleagues to ask if it was safe to go to work. “Authorities have confirmed that they identified Sergey through active electronic surveillance, tracked him down, and asked him to attend a police station for what was described as a ‘chat’, where he was then arrested. This raises serious concerns about the monitoring of private communications and the treatment of ordinary residents as security threats. “We are seeing a disturbing pattern where individuals who are effectively victims of regional instability are being criminalised for their reactions to it. This long-term Emirates employee is not a threat to national security. He is a loyal worker with no criminal history and someone who clearly meant no harm. “Just last week, a British Emirates employee was released, but the consequences remain severe. Former detainees are not only recovering from the trauma of being in prison for several weeks, but many have also lost their jobs. “It is deeply concerning that a split-second reaction in a frightening situation can lead to detention, loss of employment, and long-term restrictions on travel across the region.” Stirling added that many residents and visitors would not have been aware of restrictions, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the incidents. “The UAE government is pushing the narrative that ‘they should have known’. Why? This man had just returned to Dubai after being out of the country. His employer, state-owned Emirates Airlines, provided no guidance, and warnings were not widely circulated at the time. We are talking about the very early days of the situation. “Dubai risks creating an environment where people are afraid to communicate even privately during emergencies. Treating residents like hardened criminals for momentary, human reactions is disproportionate and damaging.” Detained in Dubai calls on Emirates Airlines to take an active role in assisting their staff members and for Dubai police to release prisoners who are clearly not a threat, warning that the continued detention of individuals under such circumstances raises serious concerns about due process and the application of cybercrime laws. The organisation continues to receive reports of similar arrests linked to the sharing of images or information, including private communications, in the aftermath of recent attacks. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

BREAKING Second Flight Attendant Detained in Dubai Over WhatsApp Image as Cybercrime Crackdown Escalates

Flight Attendant Detained in Dubai Over WhatsApp Image

Detained in Dubai announces release of UAE cybercrime prisoners Flight attendant back in England and 60-year-old Londoner released, but wider crackdown continues. Dubai/London: We can confirm that a British flight attendant detained in Dubai under the UAE’s cybercrime laws has been released and is now safely back in England. A 60-year-old Londoner held on similar allegations has also been freed. Detained in Dubai's Director broke the news on Instagram: Detained in Dubai first announced these detentions on 12 March and has since maintained sustained diplomatic efforts. The group, which provides legal and crisis response services, said they actively liaised with Members of Parliament and raised these cases directly with Downing Street. The Prime Minister responded and has since visited the region, and we trust these cases were raised at the highest levels. Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and founder of Due Process International , said: “I have been anxiously awaiting this news while working closely with and supporting the families through what has been a terrible ordeal. The uncertainty, fear, and distress they have faced cannot be overstated. “For many, this has come at enormous personal and financial cost. Individuals have lost employment, incurred significant legal expenses, and now face ongoing uncertainty about their future and whether they will ever be able to return or even transit through the hub. “While we welcome these releases, I continue to represent clients who remain in prison under similar circumstances. We urgently hope to see further releases in the coming days. “These cases went too far. Criminalising private messages and minor digital activity has only added to already escalating tensions and placed innocent people at risk. “We hope the Prime Minister raised these cases directly during his visit and will continue to press for immediate embassy access to those still detained. We are receiving reports from detainees who say they have had little to no consular support and others who say the UAE has denied them access. “The impact of the crisis is now extending beyond detainees. Residents and workers in the UAE are facing growing economic strain, with projects and contracts being cancelled or suspended, and many struggling to meet basic costs such as rent. The wider instability is beginning to affect confidence in the region as both a place to live and to do business. “These releases mark a critical step, but the situation remains ongoing for others still detained. “We continue to receive new cases on an almost daily basis. Today alone, we have been alerted to further arrests over photographs taken on the beach, highlighting how even the most ordinary behaviour is now being treated as a criminal offence. “While there are indications the authorities are seeking to contain the damage and resolve cases quickly, we remain deeply concerned by ongoing reports of ill treatment and brutality in detention. We hope these concerns won’t be ignored as efforts are made to repair the UAE’s international image.” Detained in Dubai provides legal and crisis support to foreign nationals detained in the UAE, including coordinating defence strategies with local lawyers, liaising with embassies and government officials, and advocating for fair treatment and release. The organisation also supports families, raises cases at diplomatic levels, and, where necessary, brings international attention to cases to help secure outcomes. Press Queries: We understand that the media who have supported citizens facing prison sentences would love to talk to former detainees about their experience. Right now, this is not possible but we will advise once that changes. In the chaos of further arrests and further releases, It is not known the exact number of British or other citizens who have been released in the past few days. We will keep posting information and announcements on socials for Radha Stirling and Detained in Dubai. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

BREAKING: British Cybercrime Prisoners Freed from Dubai After Intensive Diplomatic Pressure

Detained in Dubai provides legal and crisis support to foreign nationals detained in the UAE, including coordinating defence strategies with local lawyers, liaising with embassies and government officials, and advocating for fair treatment and release. The organisation also supports families, raises cases at diplomatic levels, and, where necessary, brings international attention to cases to help secure outcomes.

Veterans don’t leave the war behind Understanding “The War After the War”: Veterans, Trauma and Global Risk A powerful new episode of Gulf in Justice shines a spotlight on the hidden struggles facing military veterans long after they leave active service — from unresolved trauma to legal vulnerability abroad. In this episode, Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and a leading expert on international legal systems, speaks with trauma coach and author Dr John A. King about what he describes as “the war after the war.” Dr King draws on his extensive work with veterans to explain how trauma, identity loss, and the challenges of reintegration can leave former service members exposed, often without adequate support systems in place. Stirling connects these insights directly to her own casework, highlighting numerous military veterans she has assisted who became entangled in foreign legal systems, particularly in the UAE. Cases discussed include John Murphy, Joseph Lopez, Robin Berlin, Robert Dobbs, Perry Coppins, Charles Wimberly, and Andy Neal. “We are seeing a troubling pattern where veterans, already dealing with the psychological aftermath of service, are finding themselves criminalised or detained in jurisdictions that offer little protection or understanding,” said Stirling. “These are men who have served their countries, yet too often they are left to navigate complex legal systems alone.” The discussion explores how unresolved trauma, combined with high-pressure environments and insufficient institutional support, can increase vulnerability — particularly for those working or travelling internationally. Dr King emphasised the importance of recognising and addressing the long-term impact of service: “The war doesn’t end when you leave the battlefield. For many veterans, that’s when a different kind of battle begins.” The episode calls for greater awareness, stronger protections, and improved support systems for veterans worldwide. Watch the full episode here: Available on the Gulf Injustice Podcast site , and at YouTube Learn more about Dr John A. King: drjohnaking.com Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International Gulf Injustice Podcast +44 7 309 114 195

Veterans Left Behind: New Gulf in Justice Episode Exposes “The War After the War”

A powerful new episode of Gulf in Justice shines a spotlight on the hidden struggles facing military veterans long after they leave active service — from unresolved trauma to legal vulnerability abroad.

Frightening development for individuals who transit through the Gulf A British citizen has been reported by UAE authorities to the X platform for a post that contravenes UAE cybercrime laws. A British man has revealed he has been warned he risks arrest if he travels to Dubai, despite never having committed any offence within the UAE. His alleged “crime” was posting a tweet while in Manchester. Nick Buckley MBE says UAE authorities have reportedly flagged his social media posts as illegal, warning that he could face arrest if he enters the country. Despite posting from Manchester, he has been told his activity may fall foul of the UAE’s expansive cybercrime laws, which allow authorities to pursue individuals for content deemed harmful to the state, even if it was published outside the country. The warning has effectively barred him from travelling to Dubai and the Gulf, raising serious concerns about the extraterritorial reach of UAE law. The case also raises wider concerns given Dubai’s role as a major global transit hub. Millions of international travellers pass through its airports each year, many with no intention of entering the country. If individuals can be detained based on online activity conducted abroad, it creates a significant and unpredictable risk for passengers simply transiting through the UAE. According to Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and founder of Due Process International, this is not an isolated case. “We are increasingly seeing individuals warned, investigated or even detained for online activity conducted entirely outside the UAE. The laws are so broadly framed that a tweet, private message, or shared content can be interpreted as a criminal act if authorities decide it damages the country’s reputation or public order. We saw it with Laleh Shahravesh and with Craig Ballentine.” Detained in Dubai warns the UAE’s cybercrime framework allows for severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, and worse where cases are escalated under national security provisions. In some instances, individuals have reportedly been detained for sharing or forwarding content in private conversations. “This creates a dangerous precedent,” Stirling added. “Foreign nationals who have never lived in the UAE, and may only be transiting through its airports, are now at risk. It undermines basic principles of jurisdiction and legal certainty.” The issue was discussed directly between Stirling and Buckley on his podcast, “Nick Buckley BARRED From Dubai Forever After UK Post - Or Be Arrested!” , where they explored the growing risks posed by the UAE’s cybercrime enforcement to foreign nationals. The case comes amid growing scrutiny of the UAE’s use of cybercrime laws, particularly following recent reports of arrests linked to social media activity and the sharing of footage during regional security incidents. Critics argue that the laws are being applied inconsistently and disproportionately, with tourists and expatriates caught in a widening net. Detained in Dubai is calling for clearer guidance from authorities and stronger diplomatic engagement from foreign governments to protect their citizens. Without reform, they warn, the UAE risks deterring tourism, damaging its international reputation, and placing ordinary travellers in legal jeopardy for conduct that would be lawful elsewhere. Nick Buckley’s case highlights a stark reality: in today’s digital landscape, what you post at home could have serious consequences abroad. “We’ve dealt with many cases where transit passengers have been detained en route to Asia or Australia. Governments need to update their travel advice,” warns Stirling. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Brit Warned He Could Be Arrested in Dubai Over Tweet Sent from Manchester

Families of cybercrime detainees express concern over beatings. FCDO criticised after cancelling welfare visit to detained Brit amid violence allegations The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is facing serious criticism after cancelling a confirmed in-person consular visit to a young Brit from Ashford detained in Dubai, despite direct testimony that he and 15 others have been physically assaulted in custody. The visit had been approved and was expected to provide urgent reassurance regarding his condition. However, it was cancelled without explanation and replaced with a proposal for a video call. Legal Advisory and Crisis Management Firm Detained in Dubai are assisting the family and consider a remotely supervised call, potentially monitored by the same authorities accused of abuse, to be wholly inadequate and a serious safeguarding concern. UAE Legal Expert and Detained in Dubai CEO Radha Stirling , said, “This is an extremely alarming development. A confirmed welfare visit has been cancelled at the last minute, despite credible reports that this young man has been beaten in custody. That is precisely when an in-person visit is most critical. “A video call, supervised by the very authorities accused of abuse, is not a welfare check. It does nothing to independently assess his condition or ensure his safety. It is completely inadequate and frankly, dangerous." “This decision puts British nationals at risk. It sends a message that even in serious cases involving alleged mistreatment, restricted access will be accepted. That is a dangerous precedent.” Detained in Dubai is a specialist legal advisory and crisis management firm that has assisted more than twenty five thousand individuals facing legal difficulties in the UAE over the past two decades. The organisation has been instrumental in securing releases, resolving complex cases, and advocating for fair treatment of foreign nationals, including through engagement with governments and international bodies such as the United Nations. However, even by the standards of previous cases, this situation raises serious concern. The Ashford resident has been detained with limited communication, and his family say they cannot believe the British government has become part of this ongoing nightmare. His mother said, “This response is awful. They have ignored key concerns we raised. The visit was approved and then suddenly cancelled with no proper explanation. Something doesn’t add up. “Now they are suggesting a video call. How is that supposed to show whether he has been hurt? If he is being watched, he is not going to say anything. “We are extremely distressed and frightened for him. We feel like no one is stepping in when it actually matters.” We have also sought urgent political support but have received no response. We contacted Sojan Joseph requesting immediate assistance, but have yet to receive any reply. Fear amongst families of those arrested under cybercrime crackdown Stirling added, “We have seen repeated failures to intervene effectively in cases involving British detainees, including Lee Bradley Brown , B illy Hood and Albert Douglas . In some of these cases, detainees suffered serious harm, including broken bones and severe head injuries. I had to escalate Albert’s case to the United Nations in Geneva and I testified in the Inquest into Lee Bradley Brown’s death and the allegations of negligence against the FCDO. “Where there is no meaningful diplomatic pressure, there is a greater risk that detainees will be mistreated. That is the reality families are now confronting. “This latest development has caused significant distress not only to this family, but to others with relatives currently detained over cybercrime violations in the UAE, who now fear similar restrictions on access. We have clients from across the globe who have been detained for cybercrime violations, for conduct as minor as privately sharing widely circulated images with family members or friends, often simply to reassure others or warn them to stay safe. Not only do they have this situation to deal with, but now they have the fear they could be mistreated in detention and deprived of consular access. They feel helpless”. The sister of one of those arrested in the crackdown said, “he is struggling to get access to communication. We don’t know if he was in detention with the other ones who are being beaten or what’s happening. We’re not sleeping, every day is passing by with our eyes wide open with worry. We are begging for help. He didn’t do anything bad’. Ms Stirling warned, “If anything happens to this or any fellow citizen after credible concerns have been raised, serious questions will be asked about the FCDO’s responsibility. There is a clear duty to act where there are risks to a British national’s safety.” The family is calling for the immediate reinstatement of an in-person consular visit and urgent intervention to ensure his safety and access to medical care. Cybercrime Developments Detained in Dubai is assisting people from all over the world who have been detained under the UAE's Federal Cybercrime Laws. Stirling has been actively liaising with government officials, embassies from multiple countries, Members of Parliament, diplomats and human rights organisations to secure the release of individuals detained under the UAE’s Federal Cybercrime Laws. She has urged the authorities to adopt a more proportionate and compassionate approach in cases where there was no malicious intent. She reports "several releases are expected in the coming days, but families remain deeply anxious and will not feel reassured until their loved ones are safely on a plane home." Stirling has long called for nations to increase travel warnings to citizens. FCO - Is the British FCO prioritising UAE trade and commerce deals over citizens Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Brit ‘Beaten in Jail’ - UK Replaces Visit with Video Call

FCDO criticised after cancelling welfare visit to detained Brit amid violence allegations

Brits in Dubai Beg for Help While the FCDO Stands By. What Has Gone Wrong? Brits in Dubai Beg for Help While the FCDO Stands By. What Has Gone Wrong? By Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International British nationals detained overseas are increasingly bypassing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) altogether. Instead, they contact specialist organisations like ours or instruct private lawyers directly. When asked why, the response is often blunt: “they can’t do anything anyway.” This reflects a growing lack of confidence in the support British citizens expect from their own government. They turn to us at Detained in Dubai fo r practical help, legal strategy, and genuine advocacy. Many detainees and their families tell us they never approached the embassy because they believed that little would be done. That perception alone is deeply concerning, especially as it spreads among fellow cellmates. There is also a documented history of authorities actively circulating rumours to discourage detainees from seeking consular help. Brits are complaining that the FCDO appears to have made a conscious, internal policy decision to scale back diplomatic efforts on behalf of its own citizens. The result is a dangerous downward spiral that leaves British nationals exposed and unprotected. The latest case illustrates the depth of the problem. A British citizen currently held in the UAE has smuggled out a handwritten note stating that he and fifteen other prisoners in his cell have been beaten by police. This comes in the wake of previous documented cases, including the severe beating and torture of British grandfather Albert Douglas. His son Wolfgang, a commentator at GB News, previously said he was considering legal action against the FCDO , “My father has been living in prison for almost a year after being violently assaulted by prison guards. I am fully aware of what happened to Lee Bradley Brown and live in worry every day that I will never see my father again. He has been living in pain and with broken bones since the attack. I have told the FCDO over and over again but most of the time, they avoid calls, ignore emails and give conflicting information.” One has to ask: is the FCDO afraid of the UAE? Is it unwilling to engage robustly for fear of damaging trade relations, investment flows, or diplomatic funding? Whatever the internal calculus, British citizens are paying the price. We have not seen this passive approach from other countries. France, for example, has repeatedly secured the swift release of its nationals through active, high-level diplomatic intervention, leveraging strong bilateral ties to the clear advantage of its citizens. Other nations treat the protection of their people abroad as a core pillar of foreign policy. The UK, by contrast, seems to treat consular support as an optional extra and easily sacrificed when inconvenient. British citizens and their families are increasingly questioning whether the UK is reluctant to engage robustly with certain partner states, including the UAE. Whether driven by strategic priorities or a desire to preserve bilateral relations, the practical effect is that individuals feel unsupported at the most critical moments. This has created a concerning cycle: citizens lose confidence and do not seek help early; cases escalate without intervention; and the perception of inaction becomes further entrenched. In parallel, parts of the media have framed detained individuals in a negative light, particularly those who have chosen to live or work abroad. That narrative is not only unhelpful; it risks undermining the fundamental principle that British nationals are entitled to protection regardless of where they are or why they went abroad. Cases such as that of Albert Douglas hi ghlight the frustrations many British detainees and families have raised about the FCDO’s approach. During his detention in Dubai, support was limited and lacked the urgency or high-level diplomatic engagement the situation demanded. Meaningful progress in his case came through our support and United Nations assistance, rather than diplomatic channels alone. His experience has become a reference point for families who feel they must turn to external advocacy, legal pressure, or media attention to prompt action, reinforcing the view that the UK’s response is often procedural rather than proactive. What has happened to the United Kingdom? A country once known for standing firmly behind its nationals now appears content to circulate anti-citizen narratives in the domestic media. Expats and travellers are demonised as “tax exiles” or reckless adventurers who somehow deserve less protection simply because they chose to live, work, travel, or gain life experience overseas. This rhetoric is not only unfair, it’s dangerous. It normalises the abandonment of British people in their hour of need and erodes public support for consular assistance. The narrative further exonerates the UK government for its lack of sufficient travel warnings and constant support of the UAE's marketing and promotion to British citizens. Travel and work abroad are common realities of modern life: gap years, international careers, business opportunities, family visits, and more. None of these should strip a citizen of their government’s support. International incidents, wrongful arrests, or human rights abuses can happen to anyone. Families at home deserve to know that, no matter the circumstances, their loved ones will receive the full weight of UK diplomatic protection. A country that doesn’t care for its own citizens is depleted on the international stage. What other country can respect it? British nationals abroad are entitled to expect that their welfare will be taken seriously, that credible allegations of mistreatment will be addressed, and that their government will engage constructively but firmly where required. There is an urgent need to restore confidence in that commitment. At present, too many British citizens feel they must rely on external support networks rather than their own government when they need help most. The FCDO must urgently reverse its apparent policy of diplomatic disengagement. Strong ties with the UAE should be used to protect British nationals, not to shield the UAE from legitimate scrutiny. Consular access, welfare checks, and meaningful intervention must become non-negotiable. Britain’s citizens, at home and abroad. deserve nothing less. We call on the Foreign Secretary and all Members of Parliament to demand answers. The protection of British nationals must never be treated as collateral damage in the pursuit of trade or geopolitics. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

What Has Happened to the UK? British Citizens Are Being Left Behind Abroad

Brits in Dubai Beg for Help While the FCDO Stands By. What Has Gone Wrong? By Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International

Zelensky’s Gulf Tour: Drone Diplomacy, Strategic Barter, and the Brewing Russian Backlash

Trading Anti-Drone Expertise for Survival While Cracking Russia’s Regional Influence - By Radha Stirling, Crisis Manager, Policy Advisor and CEO of Due Process International

Cybercrime Arrests in Dubai - Report by Detained in Dubai

UAE Cybercrime Crackdown Escalates Following Iran War in the Gulf - By Radha Stirling, Expert Witness, Crisis Manager and Founder of Detained in Dubai. 29 March 2026

Radha Stirling Exposes the Cracks in Dubai’s Influencer Fantasy A recent article in the Daily Mail, authored by Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai , exposes the widening gap between Dubai’s carefully constructed influencer image and the reality faced by many residents and visitors. For years, Dubai has been promoted as a flawless destination, driven in large part by influencers showcasing luxury lifestyles, safety, and opportunity. Stirling’s article challenges this narrative, arguing that the image presented online is often incomplete and, in some cases, deliberately sanitised. According to Stirling, influencers operating in the UAE are frequently incentivised to maintain a positive portrayal of the country. Whether through access, business opportunities, or residency considerations, there is little room to openly discuss negative experiences. As a result, millions of people consuming this content are not given a full or accurate picture of the risks involved. The article highlights a number of serious concerns about the UAE’s legal system, particularly the way in which ordinary behaviour can escalate into criminal cases. Stirling draws on her extensive experience assisting foreign nationals to demonstrate how social media activity, business disputes, and even private communications can lead to arrest, detention, or prosecution. A key issue identified is the nature of the laws themselves. Stirling notes that they are often vague, inconsistently applied, and open to abuse. This creates an environment where individuals may find themselves facing serious allegations based on misunderstandings, complaints, or unverified claims. The piece also examines the role of media control in shaping global perceptions of Dubai. With strict regulations governing both traditional and online content, negative stories are frequently suppressed or minimised, reinforcing the emirate’s polished international image. Stirling argues that this imbalance between perception and reality leaves visitors and investors vulnerable. While Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub of luxury and opportunity, the risks associated with its legal framework are not widely understood. The article ultimately raises an important question: are people being given enough information to make informed decisions before travelling to or doing business in the UAE? Read the Full Article on the Daily Mail Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

The Dubai Influencer Fantasy Is Unravelling - Radha Stirling for the Daily Mail

war-torn Dubai: The glittering tax-free influencer fantasy is unravelling as expats are arrested and treated as criminals for simply taking a photo of drone damage and sending to worried relatives

Drone attacks at Creek Harbour Apartments leave foreign resident survivors with double trauma after arrests Three residents who survived a drone strike on their apartment building in Dubai were arrested after privately sharing a photograph with loved ones confirming they were alive following the explosion. The individuals were inside their Creek Harbour homes when a drone struck their residential building, causing an explosion. In the immediate aftermath of the blast, they photographed the damage and sent the image privately to family members to reassure them that they had survived. Instead of receiving support as victims of the incident, the residents were detained by Dubai police after authorities requested to see their phones. The arrests come amid a wider crackdown in the United Arab Emirates on the sharing of images or videos related to the recent drone and missile attacks targeting the country. The crackdown can be confusing for residents who can already see photos and videos of the attacks widely published across mainstream and social media. Authorities have warned that circulating such content could lead to prosecution under the country’s cybercrime laws. Radha Stirling , an Expert Witness, Crisis Manager and CEO of Detained in Dubai , said the case highlights the risks foreign residents face when reacting normally to traumatic events. “When people experience something as shocking as a drone strike hitting their building, their first instinct is to contact their families and let them know they are safe,” Stirling said. "Criminalising that human response risks punishing victims rather than protecting them.” The individuals had not publicly posted the photograph online and were simply communicating privately with loved ones during a moment of fear and uncertainty. They were shaken and disturbed after repeatedly being told how safe the country was by local influencers. Stirling warned that many expatriates may not realise how broadly the UAE’s cybercrime laws can be applied. “Foreign residents often assume that sending a photo privately to family members is harmless. In the UAE, even a personal unshared photograph related to sensitive events can trigger a criminal investigation.” Detained in Dubai is urging foreign governments to raise concerns with UAE authorities and ensure that citizens caught up in the incidents are treated as victims rather than suspects. “People who have just experienced an explosion in their own home should not be facing detention simply for telling their families they survived,” Stirling said. “We have contacted the foreign ministers of the individuals’ respective countries to request urgent support and to urge the UAE to apply common sense when enforcing its laws in situations involving traumatised victims.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

BREAKING: Drone Strike Survivors Arrested in Dubai After Telling Families They Were Alive

The arrests come amid a wider crackdown in the United Arab Emirates on the sharing of images or videos related to the recent drone and missile attacks targeting the country. The crackdown can be confusing for residents who can already see photos and videos of the attacks widely published across mainstream and social media. Authorities have warned that circulating such content could lead to prosecution under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai announced the arrest of 21 people under the UAE's Cybercrime Laws Detained in Dubai has announced that 21 people have been charged together under the UAE's cybercrime laws. Its CEO warns even sharing or commenting on circulating videos or news could lead to jail, fines and deportation. 21 people have now been charged together under the UAE’s cybercrime laws in connection with videos and social media posts relating to the recent missile strikes, according to Radha Stirling , CEO of Detained in Dubai . Among those charged is a 60 year old British man in Dubai, whose case has already attracted international attention. Stirling confirmed that the man has stated he deleted the video from his phone immediately when asked and had no intention of doing anything wrong, but has nonetheless become caught up in the wider group of charges. According to the official case summary, those accused are alleged to have used an information network or information technology tool to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security. “The charges sound extremely vague but 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,” said Stirling. “Under UAE cybercrime 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.” Penalties in such cases can include up to two years in prison, fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 200,000, or both, and foreign nationals will also face deportation. Stirling warned that the risk is compounded because multiple counts can be applied, meaning a person who reposts several clips or articles could theoretically face cumulative charges and multiple sentences, even where the actions were entirely innocent. “There are countless images, videos and news reports circulating online about the conflict. People understandably assume that if something is already widely shared or published by media outlets, it must be acceptable to comment on or repost it. In the UAE, that assumption can be extremely dangerous,” she said. Stirling noted that journalists have travelled to Dubai specifically to film missile interceptions, sending footage to editors abroad who then publish it from outside the country. “But once that material appears online, residents and visitors inside the UAE who share or comment on it could suddenly find themselves accused of spreading rumours or damaging public security.” Radha Stirling has long warned about the dangers of the UAE's broad and vague Cybercrime laws. [clicking image redirects to radhastirling.com ] She said authorities are highly sensitive during the current regional tensions, with some suspects reportedly questioned after simply recording or temporarily filming missile interceptions. Foreigners need to understand that what may seem like normal social media behaviour elsewhere can lead to arrest in the UAE,” Stirling said. “In some circumstances people can find themselves treated as national security suspects before the facts are even clarified. That can mean being taken to specialised CID facilities for interrogation and held for extended periods in facilities known for human rights abuses and torture. In times of regional tension, authorities can become hypersensitive, and innocent mistakes can quickly escalate into extremely serious and dangerous situations for foreigners.” Stirling also pointed to similar enforcement across the Gulf, noting that Qatar has already charged more than 200 people under comparable laws during the current regional tensions. “If governments begin arresting expatriates for sharing or discussing news during a conflict, it risks undermining the image they have tried to build as safe, modern international hubs. It creates fear among residents and visitors who feel they could face jail simply for sharing a news article or video.” Miss Raphaella Stirling, a Crisis Manager at Detained in Dubai said they are continuing to monitor the cases and working to establish the full details of the allegations and the nationalities of the other individuals charged. “The family is extremely worried. It's a natural reflex to photograph your surroundings but authorities are hypersensitive and the real danger may not be Iran's missiles overhead but the Emirati authorities' react to what people post online”. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195 share share share

BREAKING NEWS: 21 Charged Under UAE Cybercrime Laws as British Tourist Caught Up in Missile Footage Crackdown

Detained in Dubai has announced that 21 people have been charged together under the UAE's cybercrime laws. Its CEO warns even sharing or commenting on circulating videos or news could lead to jail, fines and deportation.