UAE detains 70 Britons over filming drone, missile attacks

LONDON, March 29 (YPA) – The UAE authorities detained around 70 British nationals, including tourists, residents, and airline crew members, on charges of filming and sharing footage of drone and missile attacks in violation of national security laws, the British newspaper Daily Mail said in a report.

The report said those arrested include a flight attendant and a man in his sixties who was found with a video of a rocket on his phone.

It noted that UAE law prohibits publishing content that could cause public concern during security incidents, with authorities carrying out phone searches that may extend even to recipients of such material.

According to the newspaper, penalties could reach up to 10 years in prison or substantial fines. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have raised concerns over a rise in such prosecutions and criticized detention conditions, citing overcrowding and limited access to basic services.

AA