Belfast man arrested in UAE for Google review

Ballentine was arrested three weeks ago when he arrived in Abu Dhabi for a short vacation to visit friends.

A 33 year old Belfast autism support worker faces prison in Dubai over an online review he made from Northern Ireland months before holidaying in the UAE.

“This case will send shockwaves to tourists and expats who feel safe posting online from the safety of their own countries”, warns Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who is helping Cookstown resident, Craig Ballentine.

Ballentine was arrested three weeks ago when he arrived in Abu Dhabi for a short vacation to visit friends. Surprised and bewildered, he was transported to Dubai to face charges of slander under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws that prohibit any form of online criticism.