Abu Dhabi resident under probe over racist YouTube video

Abu Dhabi - A fine ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh1 million can be imposed on a person who owns or runs a website or publishes information online with the aim to incite hatred.

An Abu Dhabi resident is being investigated for allegedly posting a video with racist and hate comments on social media in violation of the country's cyber laws, according to authorities.

The Public Prosecution in Abu Dhabi said on Monday that it had initiated an investigation into the matter after the suspect posted the video on his YouTube channel. Officials said the comments in the video sought to create divisions based on ethnicity and nationality among the various communities living in the UAE.

Officials said the video, which was later circulated on various social media sites, was against the country's norms and culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Authorities said circulating racist and hate comments is against the country's efforts to disseminate the values of tolerance, besides violating the UAE's foundational principles of justice and equality.

The public prosecution said people should avoid sowing seeds of division among people in the name of ethnicity, religion, language or gender.

"Social media users should be careful about what they post as they will be held responsible for their actions. People should avoid spreading offensive comments that can create divisions among the society or infringe on the values of tolerance," said prosecutors, adding that it is important for everyone to respect the country's primary values that stress respect for all.

A fine ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh1 million can be imposed on a person who owns or runs a website or publishes information online with the aim to incite hatred, according to the latest UAE Cybercrimes Law amendment.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi