Hunt on for person behind fake martyr list 'of students'

Abu Dhabi - Arrest warrant issued against rumour-monger

The Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution has issued an arrest warrant against a rumour-monger who released a list of university students as the martyrs of Friday's Yemen attack, that took away lives of 45 members of the Armed Forces.
The Public Prosecution urged people to refrain from spreading false stories about those martyred in the Operation Restore Hope mission in Yemen. The prosecution regretted the irresponsible act that had caused confusion and created indignation among the individuals whose names appeared in the fake list.
The Attorney-General of Abu Dhabi, Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, said that a responsible civil society constitute the back-bone of the Armed Forces, which protects the country from threats - both internal and external - during military operations.
"Based on this, every one bears a great responsibility towards security and stability of the nation at this juncture and should not be the weak link to be carried along behind rumours," he said. He warned that the penal code articulates severe punishments for any conduct that undermines military operations and for other crimes that disrupt peace, public security, and social cohesion and stability. In such cases, rumour-mongers may face prison terms and fines.
The Attorney-General urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution, refrain from circulating false information and should verify information from reliable sources. "As for information concerning the servicemen, the General Command of the Armed Forces is the exclusive source of information and statements," he explained.
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Gossiping will land you in jail
Article No (167) of the penal code states: "A punishment of temporary imprisonment shall be inflicted on any person who deliberately, in time of war, transmits to the public news, statements, false or prejudicial rumors, or who resorts to provocative propaganda, liable to prejudice the military preparations regarding the defence of the State, or the military operations of the armed forces, or to provoke panic among people or to weaken the morale of the State.
However, the punishment shall be imprisonment for no less than five years if the crime is committed by way of correspondence with or espionage for a foreign state, and life imprisonment if committed by way of correspondence with or spying for a hostile state."