Two Abu Dhabi football fans under scanner for abuse on social media

Abu Dhabi - The two fans from rival clubs had used unsavoury language on social media.

The Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution has started investigations into the case of two fans of local football clubs who allegedly exchanged abusive messages and bad language over social media, which is in violation of the online law.

Prosecutors said on Tuesday that they have ordered officials from the two sports clubs to probe the matter and check their social media accounts to establish the evidence regarding the abusive verbal comments posted by their two fans.
Initial investigations suggested that the two fans from rival clubs in the capital had used unsavoury language on social media, which was deemed inappropriate and immoral according to UAE laws.
"Engaging in sport in a safe environment is a right guaranteed by law to all people in the society, including sports clubs and institutions, and the law criminalises any acts of attacks against one another - whether verbal or through actions - or spreading the same on social media," prosecutors said in a statement.
"Freedom of speech or opinion as guaranteed by the law should be exercised in the right way putting into consideration public morality and respect for each other."
The public prosecutors have vowed to continue addressing all practices that violate public order and morality and the misuse of modern technologies, especially the social media, as part of their role in extending legal protection to the social, moral and religious values of the society.
Authorities have also warned people against abusing social media to avoid being charged with cybercrimes. Many people were being jailed, fined and even ordered to leave the country because they had insulted people or even their spouse on messaging platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, they pointed out.
Prosecutors said they have seen many cases in which people are charged under the cybercrime law for offences, especially posting insulting or abusive messages, pictures and videos on social media, that could have been easily avoided.
"People should be careful while using social media and be well aware of what is not acceptable to be post under the UAE law to avoid problems," said prosecutors.
Officials said they have endeavoured to spread awareness on all types of cybercrimes through the media, lectures in schools, workshops, brochures and others to ensure people don't fall victims to cybercriminals and avoid violating the online law.
The UAE cybercrime law stipulates penalties like jail terms that could go up to a life sentence and/or a fine ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh2 million depending on the severity and seriousness of the crime.
 
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi