UAE expats harassed in viral video, 4 men arrested

Dubai - The video showed the suspects pushing, kicking, and throwing socks at Asian men on the streets or in shops, and making fun of them.

The UAE Public Prosecution has ordered the arrest of four Arab young men for filming and posting a video of themselves harassing and making fun of some Asian workers in the country.

The Prosecution, alerted about the short video that went viral on social media, immediately ordered the detention of all four young men involved in the crime.

The suspect's temporary detention had been ordered based on investigators' report.

The report included a video posted on social media showing four youths making fun of some Asian residents, the prosecution reported in a press release posted by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

“The practices [in the] video recorded are crimes against others, an abuse of others’ privacy using an information technology, and a violation of public decency,” said the release.

The video showed the suspects pushing, kicking, and throwing socks at Asian men on the streets or in shops, and making fun of them.

Although the Asian residents were upset, they did not respond or take any action.

Under UAE laws, residents can face imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh500,000 for the invasion of privacy of another person by using a computer network and electronic information system. This also covers posting others’ photos online without their permission.

• UAE