Calling someone silly can land you in jail

dubai — Calling acquaintances or total strangers ‘silly’ or ‘stupid’ can get you fined or even jailed in the UAE. An Abu Dhabi court recently fined a man Dh20,000 after he called a woman he wanted to marry a ‘fool’ in a WhatsApp message. Another man is facing trial at a Sharjah court for calling his colleague ‘silly’ during a football match.

Regardless of whether profani- ties are expressed jokingly or casually, an insult is a crime, according to the laws of the country. Mahmoud Azab, lawyer and consultant at Al Wasl International Group, said punishments for insults differ depending on whether these were delivered “directly or face-to-face” or via online channels and social media. The latter leads to stiffer penalties, with fines of up to Dh500,000.

dubai — Don’t say bad words or call people ‘silly’ or ‘stupid’, unless you want to end up in jail.

Over the last few months, at least two people had faced trial in the country on the grounds that they had allegedly insulted their friends.

In October, a man called a woman he wanted to get engaged with ‘fool’ in a WhatsApp message, prompting her to file a case. He got fined Dh20,000. Earlier this month, during a football match in Sharjah, a man reportedly called his co-worker ‘silly’. He is currently standing trial.

Regardless of whether profanities are expressed as half-meant jokes or as part of a casual conversation, an insult is an insult — and it is a crime, according to the law of the country.

Mahmoud Azab, lawyer and consultant at Al Wasl International Group, said criminal punishments for insults differ depending on whether these were delivered “directly or face-to-face” or via online channels and social media.

“Direct insult or libel is punishable in accordance with the federal penal code, but when it happens online or through social media or mobile apps, it would be punishable in accordance with the federal law combating cybercrimes. The latter leads to heavier sentences or fines,” Azab said.

Article 373 of the federal penal code states that anyone who “casts another, by any publicity means, with any statement that affects his honour or dignity” shall be sentenced to a jail term not exceeding a year and a fine of up to Dh10,000. Penalties are higher if the insult has been directed to a public official or has affected families.

On the other hand, offensive language delivered via online platforms — including WhatsApp — is considered a cybercrime and shall be punishable by “imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh250,000 but not exceeding Dh500,000”, according to Federal Decree No. 5 of 2012.

Azab said as long as a person was offended by an insult or an obscene gesture, it would be considered a violation of law. “A person I know from Asia was jailed and deported because of an obscene gesture,” he added.

Ashish Mehta, founder and managing partner of international law firm Ashish Mehta and Associates, said the law is applicable to all and it doesn’t matter whether the insult was used against a friend or a stranger.

“I believe people should be responsible for their acts or behaviour, they should be careful when they talk to others personally or on social media platforms to avoid such cases,” Mehta said.

A person I know from Asia was jailed and deported because of an obscene gesture.” Mahmoud Azab, lawyer, Al Wasl International Group

should I believe be responsible people for their behaviour, they should be careful when they talk to others.” Ashish Mehta, founder and managing partner, Ashish Mehta and Associates