Combating coronavirus: Report violations to UAE public prosecution online

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An empty Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai during the sterilisation programme.
An empty Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai during the sterilisation programme.

Abu Dhabi - Residents can file complaints on Covid-19 restrictions through the website of the Federal Public Prosecution.

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Wed 15 Apr 2020, 2:07 PM

Last updated: Thu 16 Apr 2020, 8:56 AM

UAE residents can now report violations on Covid-19 restrictions through the federal prosecution's website.
The Federal Public Prosecution said on Wednesday that people can file complaints through the website, www.pp.gov.ae, against anybody violating the precautionary measures put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus.
This service allows the general public to report offenders as per the administrative resolution which listed the new penalties for violating Covid-19 restrictions.
The prosecution noted on its website that the service is "free of charge" and those who report the violation should include details, such as the type of violation, the location and date, the person who has committed the violation and other supporting documents.
Authorities said the complaints must be filed within 10 days of committing the violation during which period it will be referred to the competent prosecutors for investigation. The complaint could either be accepted or rejected or mitigating the violation based on the evidence presented.
Earlier, a senior officer with the Dubai Police had urged the public to report social media posts that mock the UAE's coronavirus-related laws and regulations.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Colonel Saeed Al Hajri, head of cybercrime department at Dubai Police, said the law enforcement authorities are adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of social media.
Col Al Hajri said people can report such videos to the e-crime department of Dubai Police or on the Dubai Police app. "Or you can call 901 if it is not an emergency. And your last resort is to call 999 and report the case. Police will immediately take action."
He warned that people who publish videos mocking authorities and encouraging people to break 'Stay Home' rules will be named and shamed in the media.

Fines for violations
A resolution issued by Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi on March 27 listed 15 penalties, ranging from Dh500 to Dh50,000 fines, for violating precautionary measures.
According to the resolution, the fines would double if a person repeats the violation. And if caught committing the violation for the third time, the offender would be referred to the Federal Public Prosecution.
Among key penalties is the Dh2,000 fine for leaving home during the restricted periods unless for necessary reasons, like obtaining essential food supplies or medicine or performing essential jobs in vital sectors. The resolution also imposes a fine of Dh1,000 for not wearing face masks or failure to maintain social distancing when walking on the streets. Also, a motorist who allows more than three persons in car will be slapped a fine of Dh1,000.
If a quarantined person leaves his home or any other place of quarantine, he will face a fine of Dh50,000. The resolution also sets a Dh5,000 fine for a person who refuses to conduct medical test upon request.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com



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