6 days ago
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A BRIT tourist is being held in a Dubai police station after allegedly filming Iranian missiles while on holiday in the Gulf.
The 60-year-old man from London was reportedly arrested on Monday after being seen recording the weapons during ongoing strikes across the region.
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He is currently being held at Bur Dubai police station, according to campaign group Detained in Dubai.
The Brit, who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a holiday, was allegedly spotted filming missiles during the dramatic attacks.
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It is not known whether the footage was later shared on social media.
The man has not been charged and could still be released without further action.
But if prosecutors pursue the case under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws, he could face up to two years in jail or a hefty fine.
Accusations under national security legislation could carry even longer prison sentences.
Dubai authorities have repeatedly warned tourists, influencers and expats not to post footage or commentary about the conflict online.
Under the country’s cybercrime laws, any material seen as harmful to “public order”, “national unity” or the state’s reputation can result in a fine of up to $77,000 (£58,000) or prison.
Despite the warnings, holidaymakers and content creators have continued to post clips and images of missiles falling or being intercepted over the city.
Campaign group Detained in Dubai confirmed it is assisting the Briton’s family.
Chief executive Radha Stirling said many people fail to grasp how seriously the authorities treat such incidents.
She told The Telegraph: “Everyone’s got their phone and their camera out. People are just being a bit negligent.
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“Yes, authorities have given these warnings, but when you’re there and everyone else seems to be sharing these photos, a lot of people are just going to forget or get caught up in everything.
“They don’t understand that it’s very serious – that they could go to prison there.”
Stirling said authorities are particularly sensitive about foreigners filming near government sites amid fears they could be acting as spies.
She explained: “I think it’s twofold. Number one, they don’t want instant intelligence going back to Iran and going to Russia, and people who are going to pass it on to Iran whether their missile hits have been successful or not.
“But for something like this, because that information is not too difficult to ascertain, I think it’s mainly for the image.”
Stirling added: “They don’t want these photos hanging around, casting a dark shadow over Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the next five years, 10 years as people look at these and think ‘oh, it’s really not safe’.
“They don’t want these images imprinted on people’s brains. It’s PR more than anything.”
The case may raise further concerns for Brits detained in the emirate.
In 2011, British businessman Lee Brown died after five days’ detention at the same Bur Dubai police station where the tourist is reportedly being held.
The arrest also comes as thousands of UK nationals seek advice about leaving the region.
Around 14,000 Brits have contacted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which is advising against all but essential travel to the area.
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