British Man Charged In Dubai 'Over Footage Of Iranian Missiles'

LONDON, March 13 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- A British tourist has been charged under cybercrime laws in Dubai over alleged video footage showing missile strikes amid the conflict in the Middle East, a campaign group has said, reported PA Media/dpa.

The 60-year-old man is accused of "broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security," Detained in Dubai said.

Radha Stirling, the group's chief executive, said the man had said that he deleted the video from his phone when asked and had no intention of doing anything wrong.

Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates, has been hit with missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel.

Stirling said: "The charges sound extremely vague but serious on paper."

"In reality, the alleged conduct could be something as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that is already circulating online."

She added: "Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posts content can be charged, but so can anyone who reshapes, reposts or comments on it."

"One video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges," Stirling explained.

Detained in Dubai said the British tourist was one of 21 people charged under cybercrime laws in connection with videos and social media posts relating to the recent missile strikes.

The group said penalties in such cases can include up to two years in prison.

--BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa