Did not mean to offend the car owner, videographer tells police

Colonel Yousuf Al Adedi, director of Al Barsha police said the vehicle owner, an Indian businessman, told the Dubai Police that he was subjected to slander and abuse after the video was uploaded on social media. He had called for legal action against the videographer. Meanwhile, the videographer, an Arab man, who justified his actions, said he did not mean to offend the car owner, and attributed his action to the luxury car and the distinctive licence plate, said Colonel Al Adedi. He said he was excited at seeing the luxury car with the D5 number plate. He explained that he had sent the video to one of his relatives and a friend in his home country and was surprised that the video had gone viral. He added that his focus was the car and not the offence. Colonel Al Adedi explained that it was wrong of the young man to videograph without a permit which is a violation of the law. Giving details of the arrest, MajorGeneral Al Mansouri said the Dubai police have provided several channels to encourage the public to participate in reporting irregularities including smart application on mobile phones, and “we are all police” programme. But people should not take photos or videos of people or others’ property and post them on social media without permission. Hassan Al Marzouki, a lawyer and legal adviser, said according to Article 21 of the 2012 cyber crime laws, the accused shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six months and a fine not less than Dh150,000, but not exceeding Dh500,000 or both for the attack on a person’s privacy.