Defamation Law in UAE | Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants

Social media has recently been at the forefront of discussions of defamation law in UAE. It is increasingly being used as a primary medium for angry expression.

These responses are typically unplanned and fueled by rage most of the time. No matter how insignificant it may seem or seem, it may have terrible consequences.

Defamation on social media is illegal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to defamation law in UAE, insulting, making fun of, or posting cruel comments about someone online are crimes in Dubai UAE that carry harsh penalties.

Moreover, making false allegations about another person, company, or organization—whether orally or in writing, can harm the reputation of the accused it also falls under UAE cyber crime, and according to Federal Decree Law 31 of 2021, defamation is a crime and is penalized in the United Arab Emirates (UAE Penal Code).

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What is defamation in the UAE?

Defamation meaning is the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, which harm their reputation. In the UAE, defamation law applies to statements made both offline and online, including social media.

Under UAE cyber crime law, there are two types of defamation:

slander (spoken defamation)
libel (written defamation).

If a person makes false and damaging statements about another person on social media, they may be liable for defamation.

Article 372 of the UAE Penal Code criminalizes defamation, which can result in imprisonment and/or fines. The law applies to both individuals and organizations.

However, in cases where the defendant can prove the truth of their statements, they may not be found guilty of defamation.

It is important to note that the UAE has strict laws regarding online content and social media usage. The Cyber crime Law in UAE (Federal Law No. 5 of 2012) criminalizes a range of online activities, including cyberbullying, online harassment, and spreading false information.

Therefore, individuals should exercise caution when posting content on social media platforms in the UAE. Posting defamatory content can have serious legal consequences in UAE.

What types of social media defamation UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strict laws regarding online defamation, which can result in criminal charges and fines. Social media defamation can take many forms, including:

Insults: Any insults, slurs, or derogatory remarks against an individual, group, or institution can be considered defamation.
False statements: Making false or misleading statements about an individual or entity can be considered defamation.
Cyberbullying: Posting threatening or harassing messages, images, or videos on social media platforms can also be considered defamation.
Revealing personal information: Posting personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers, without consent can be considered defamation.
Sharing private images: Sharing or distributing private images or videos without consent is also considered defamation.

It is important to note that the UAE has strict laws regarding defamation, and individuals who engage in such behavior on social media may face severe penalties. It is essential to be respectful and responsible when using social media platforms in the UAE, and to avoid engaging in any behavior that could be considered defamatory.

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What are the legal consequences of defamation in the UAE?

According to Article 373 of the Criminal Code, it is illegal to insult and make false comments about another person, company, or organization in the United Arab Emirates without a valid reason in order to harm that person’s honor or dignity.

Defamatory statements individuals or organizations will face imprisonment or a fine of no more than 20,000 AED. Moreover, if a civil authority was defamed or someone’s family honor was damaged, the punishment can be more severe.

The victim of social media defamation may also be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the circumstances.

How to file a defamation case in Dubai

If you believe that you have been defamed in the UAE, you can file a defamation case by following these steps:

1- Hire a lawyer

It is recommended that you hire the best lawyer in dubai who is licensed to practice law in the UAE. A Khairallah lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your case is properly presented to the court.

2- Gather evidence

You will need to provide evidence to support your claim of defamation. This may include documents, witness statements, or other evidence that shows that the statements made about you were false and caused you harm.

3- File a complaint with the public prosecutor

You can file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office, which will then investigate the matter and decide whether to pursue charges. The complaint should include a detailed description of the defamatory statements and the harm that they caused you.

4- Attend a hearing

If the public prosecutor decides to pursue charges, you will be required to attend a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case and provide evidence to support your claim of defamation.

5- Wait for a verdict

After the hearing, the court will issue a verdict. If the court finds that you have been defamed, it may order the person who made the defamatory statements to pay damages or issue a public apology.

no doubt, that the legal process in the UAE can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that you seek legal advice before filing a defamation case to ensure that you understand the legal implications and requirements.

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The best lawyer for social media defamation cases UAE

Damaging one’s reputation, for whatever cause, can be detrimental to one’s mental and emotional health. If someone has attempted to harm your reputation by making false and unprivileged remarks, you need a legal firm that is experienced in defending and winning defamation cases in Dubai that really emphasizes preserving and protecting the client’s best interests.

With Khariallah legal firm and his professional team of attorneys’ great expertise and experience in managing defamation matters, we ensure that every legal battle we undertake results in the best outcomes and in the best interests of our clients.

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