UAE Attorney-General Issues Stern Warning on Filming Projectile Incident Sites
The United Arab Emirates' Attorney-General, Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has issued a formal public warning against photographing or sharing images and videos from locations where projectiles or shrapnel have fallen. This caution comes amid concerns that circulating such material, along with misleading information, could trigger widespread panic and distort the actual reality of the country's security situation.
Risks of Spreading Unnecessary Alarm and Misinformation
Dr Al Shamsi emphasized that recording or publishing visuals from incident locations, including damage caused by falling debris, has the potential to create unnecessary alarm among residents. He noted that disseminating such content or inaccurate reports may give a misleading impression of the UAE's overall security environment, despite the nation's stable conditions.
According to the Attorney-General, state institutions responsible for security and emergency response are performing their duties with high efficiency to safeguard the community. He stressed that daily life in the country continues normally while authorities implement necessary measures to address any developments. Incidents involving falling projectiles or debris are being managed within established security and defence frameworks by the relevant authorities.
Legal Consequences and Hindrance to Official Efforts
Members of the public have been strongly urged to refrain from filming or photographing these locations, as circulating such footage could hinder the response and mitigation efforts of official agencies. In a detailed statement, Dr Al Shamsi highlighted that despite previous warnings from authorities, some individuals have continued to record incident sites and share the material on various social media platforms.
He made it clear that publishing or circulating such footage or misleading information can violate the law if it leads to public panic, the spread of false news, or harm to public order. Citizens and residents were advised to avoid capturing or resharing such images, with a warning that violators could face legal accountability under current legislation.
Caution Against Fabricated and AI-Generated Content
Dr Al Shamsi also cautioned against sharing fabricated videos or digitally manipulated scenes, including content generated using artificial intelligence. Such clips may falsely claim missile strikes, attacks on facilities, or other incidents that never occurred, further complicating the information landscape.
He affirmed that producing or distributing manipulated content intended to mislead the public is a criminal offence. The Public Prosecution will take legal action against those responsible without leniency, underscoring the seriousness of such actions.
Call for Responsible Conduct and Reliance on Official Sources
The Attorney-General urged the public to adhere to the law and rely only on official sources for accurate information. He stressed that responsible conduct helps preserve national security and stability, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining order.
This warning aligns with broader efforts to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of misinformation during sensitive times, highlighting the UAE's proactive approach to managing security-related communications.
