Strict action against anyone showing sympathy with Qatar: UAE

Showing sympathy for Qatar on social media or through any other means is a crime punishable by law, the UAE Attorney-General has warned.

In a statement issued to the Arabic language media on Wednesday, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the UAE has taken a firm stance against Qatar's hostile and irresponsible policies towards the UAE and other GCC and Arab nations.

"The tough decisions were taken in order to protect UAE's national security, its supreme interests and interests of its people," underlined Al Shamsi.

"Strict and tough action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of favouritism towards Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the UAE, whether through social media, or any other forms of communication."

The Federal Public Prosecution said that according to the Federal Penal Code and the Federal law on Combating Information Technology Crimes, anyone who threatens the interests, national unity and stability of the UAE faces a jail term of three to 15 years and a fine not less than Dh500,000.

Authorities said such practices have the effect of weakening the social fabric of the state and the unity of its people.

The Federal Public Prosecution said it will exercise its national duty in applying the law to the perpetrators of these crimes.

Ismail Sebugwaawo

A professional journalist originating from Kampala, Uganda, Ismail is a happy father with strong attachment to family and great values for humanity. He has practiced journalism in UAE for the past 13 years, covering the country's parliament (FNC) and crimes, including Abu Dhabi Police, public prosecution and courts. He also reports about important issues in education, public health and the environment, with a keen interest in human interest stories. When out of reporting duties, he serves the Ugandan community in Abu Dhabi as he wants to see his countrymen happy. Exercising and reading are part of his free time.