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2mo ago

UAE Says 109 Arrested Over War Footage as Three French Detainees Receive Consular Support

Authorities cite national security to justify restrictions on filming and sharing images of strikes.

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[Ludovic MARIN / AFP]
De la fumée s’élève d’une zone près de l’aéroport international de Dubaï, vue à travers le pare-brise d’un véhicule, après qu’une attaque par drone a frappé un réservoir de carburant, selon les autorités de Dubaï, au milieu du conflit entre les États-Unis et Israël avec l’Iran, à Dubaï, Émirats arabes unis, 16 mars 2026.

Overview

  • Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 people of various nationalities for recording incidents and posting what it called misleading information about the conflict.
  • Three French nationals are among those detained, and the French government says they benefit from consular protection with diplomats in contact with them and their lawyers.
  • Emirati enforcement relies on a 2021 cyber and public-order law and recent prosecutor guidance that prohibit filming or sharing images of missile or drone impacts and related damage.
  • Reported penalties under UAE law include up to two years in prison and fines of roughly €47,000 to €50,000 for those who film or disseminate such content.
  • Gulf states report parallel crackdowns, with Qatar citing more than 300 arrests, and some influencers questioned in Dubai, including figures who publicly deny being among those arrested.