KHALEEJ TIMES, Sunday, Dec 20, 2020 | Jamadi Al Awwal 5, 1442
Up to Dh200,000 fine, 1-year jail for hate speech in UAE
Emirates:
The UAE Public Prosecution has reminded residents about the penalties for
possessing and distributing material that incites racial, religious and cultural
hatred.
In a video shared on its social media accounts, the public prosecution detailed
the provisions of Article
12 of Federal Decree-Law No 2 of 2015 on Combatting Discrimination and
Hatred.
“Possession and distribution of documents, publications and recordings that
provoke hatred" is punishable with a one-year jail term and a fine of between
Dh50,000 and Dh200,000.
It added that acquiring or possessing documents, publications, recordings,
movies, tapes, discs, software and smart applications that offend religions,
incite discrimination or contain hate speech, with the intent to distribute or
make accessible to the public, will also be punishable by law.
"The same punishment shall apply to any person who acquires or possesses any
means of printing, recording, storage, sound or visual recording devices or
other means of publication, broadcasting or promotional materials that are used,
with knowledge, in the commission of any of the crimes set forth in the present
Federal Decree," it said.
The Public Prosecution added that the UAE is keen to promote a culture of
tolerance, and will continue its crackdown on racism and discrimination;
including ethnic, religious and cultural discrimination.
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