Drone assault survivors ‘arrested’ by cops in Dubai for sharing pics of blitzed skyscraper
Dubai police reportedly arrested three drone strike survivors for sharing private photos of a hit skyscraper with their loved ones to show they had made it out alive
Victims of a drone strike in Dubai’s Creek Harbour have reportedly been arrested(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Cops in Dubai have reportedly arrested three survivors of a drone strike after they shared private snaps of the carnage with their families.
The trio were inside their high-rise apartments near Dubai Creek Harbour last Wednesday when a drone slammed into the building, triggering a terrifying inferno.
Seeking to reassure worried relatives that they had made it out alive, the victims took photos of the charred aftermath of the blast. However, their relief was short-lived when local police allegedly seized their phones and hauled them into custody.
The arrests have been highlighted by the campaign group Detained in Dubai. Radha Stirling, the group’s CEO, slammed the move on X.
She said: “Three traumatised survivors of an Iran drone strike were arrested after privately sharing a photo with loved ones confirming they were alive following an explosion on their apartment floor. Instead of receiving victim support, they were locked up by Dubai police.”
Stirling has since urged Emirati authorities to show compassion to those who have just endured a near-death experience.
The arrests come amid a ruthless crackdown by UAE authorities on anyone filming or sharing footage of Iranian attacks.
Among those caught up is a 60-year-old British tourist, who is reportedly one of dozens facing charges under strict cybercrime laws.
He was arrested last week for allegedly filming Iranian missiles, despite his claims that he had already wiped the footage from his device.
Those targeted are being accused of using tech to spread “provocative propaganda” or “false news” that could incite the public or threaten national security.
If convicted, the survivors and tourists face a grim future as they could potentially be sentenced to up to two years behind bars and receive penalties ranging from £4,000 to £40,600. Meanwhile, foreign nationals face automatic deportation after serving their time.
The UAE Public Prosecution Office recently issued a chilling warning against sharing unverified info.
It said: “The Public Prosecution warns against publishing or circulating rumours and information from unknown sources through social media platforms or any other technological means, due to the consequences thereof, including the spread of confusion and harm to the security and stability of society.”
They added: “Any person who shares or reposts content from unknown sources shall be subject to legal accountability…even if they are not the original creator of such content.”
While Dubai has long been a sun-soaked playground for Brits, with 250,000 calling it home, the glitzy facade is cracking after a three-week onslaught of Iranian drones and rockets.
The chaos escalated on Monday when a drone hit a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport, forcing a total ground-stop of flights as black smoke filled the sky. It marks the third time the travel hub has been targeted since the conflict erupted.
According to Detained in Dubai, the crackdown isn’t limited to the UAE, with over 200 people in nearby Qatar also charged under similar laws since the fighting began.
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