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Defamation Law in Dubai falls under the UAE Penal Code. It is a serious offense and can result in significant penalties including hefty fines, prison sentences, and even deportation for expatriates. The law applies to any act of defamation committed through any means of publicity, whether that be via print, social media or through public actions or gestures. It's important to note that truth is not a defense in these cases and repercussions can be severe even if the statement made was true.
Since the consequences of defamation can be extreme, it’s necessary to obtain legal counsel when you find yourself either a victim or an accused party. You will need a lawyer to navigate the complexities of the UAE's laws, its legal system, and the Arabic language, which the judicial system functions in. The situations could range from unintentional public slander, business dispute leading to defamation charges, to an online post misconstrued as libel or slander.
The key aspects of Defamation Law under UAE Penal Code Article 372 stipulate punishment for anyone who prejudices the honor, prestige or status of a person or his family or exposes him/her to hatred or contempt by others. In regard to social media, if an individual was found guilty of defaming another person on Facebook or Twitter, they could face a jail sentence and a fine between AED 250,000 and 1 million according to Article 20 of Federal Act number 5 of 2012. Similarly, defamation over email correspondence could also result in legal action.
In legal terms, defamation is the communication of a false statement that harms the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation.
If you are accused of defamation, it is strongly advised that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early legal intervention can be beneficial in understanding your position and preparing a course of action.
Yes, defamation laws in the UAE extend to social media and online communication. Misunderstandings on social platforms can be counted as defamation, as per the law.
Yes, any individual, irrespective of their nationality, residing in UAE could be charged for defamation.
Penalties for defamation can range from fines of AED 250,000 to AED 1 million, jail sentences, and in some cases, deportation for non-UAE citizens.
Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (The UAE Penal Code) is the main legal framework to refer to for defamation law. Also, the Ministry of Justice UAE and their local counterparts in each Emirate can provide valuable resources and guidance.
If you find yourself potentially involved in a defamation case, the best course of action is to approach a lawyer who specializes in defamation immediately. The lawyer will guide you through the legal proceedings, represent you in court, and help you to assert or defend your rights comprehensively.
