UAE draft law to protect whistleblowers, witnesses of crime

Abu Dhabi - The draft law proposes fines of up to Dh100,000 and a six-month jail term for violators.

A draft bill on protecting witnesses in court cases would be introduced and discussed at the Federal National Council (FNC). In a recent virtual meeting, the FNC committee on defence, interior and foreign affairs discussed the draft bill on the protection of witnesses and other secret sources in criminal cases.

The draft law proposes fines of up to Dh100,000 and a six-month jail term for those who violate the programme and leak confidential information.

The milestone programme is aimed at providing security to individuals who may come under threat for giving evidence in court cases.

The draft law gives powers to judicial authorities to provide the necessary protection to witnesses, victims, whistleblowers, experts and members of their families from any threat including assault, revenge, intimidation and others.

Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, head of the FNC committee, said the draft law aims to encourage residents to report serious crimes.

"The government had proposed for this bill as part of its endeavours to achieve a safe society and a fair judiciary," said the FNC member. "The bill aims to encourage witnesses and secret sources to come up, report and make statements against criminals well assured that their protection is guaranteed by the law. Participation of the public in detecting and reporting criminals to the police will reduce crimes across the country."

Currently, there is no witness protection programme in the UAE, according to FNC members. The regulations of the scheme and people to be enrolled in it will be specified once the law has been issued.

The new draft bill will need to be discussed and passed by the FNC before it is sent to the UAE President for approval.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com