The Federal Supreme Court overturned two lower court sentences fining the man over $800, after he was convicted of swearing at a different man on the social app.
A fresh trial was ordered by the court after it supported the prosecutor’s appeal. The prosecutor argued that the previous sentence was too lenient and it didn’t conform to the new laws that Internet users. The new laws includes a penalty of more than $68,000 or imprisonment for people whoa re involved in online offenses.
The man’s case has been referred to the Court of Appeal, but as of now, a date for the new hearing has not been announced.
A criminal defense lawyer said that some people mock or insult others and they think nobody can prosecute them. He continued to say that the UAE has issued a cyber crimes laws, which can lead to punishment for people who commit any crime, and this includes insulting others using technology.
According to court documents, the man’s colleague complained to police that the man swore in a message, as well as threatened him with harm. The victim showed his mobile phone to prosecutors, showing the “insulting” words to them. The documents didn’t say what the man said exactly, but he denies the charges.
Police and lawyers have also warned that doing things such as sending a middle finger emoji sign could end up leading to punishment.
