UAE arrests 19 Indians over ‘misleading’ videos amid West Asia conflict

The United Arab Emirates government has ordered the arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for allegedly publishing ‘misleading’ videos and content online during the current tensions in the region, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), reports the Indian Express.

The action follows the UAE Attorney General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, directing two groups of accused individuals to be referred for expedited trials for content posted on digital platforms. A group of 10 people was previously named, followed by a second set of 25 individuals. Together, the cases involve 35 people, including Indian nationals.

The investigation began after authorities intensified surveillance of social media during the ongoing security situation in the region. The monitoring was aimed at identifying digital content that could misinform the public or disrupt the country’s security environment, the statement said. Some circulated videos implied security threats by featuring children to heighten emotional responses among viewers.
Earlier, authorities had warned residents against photographing incident locations or circulating images and videos related to defence responses.