Residents in the UAE have been reminded that individuals who are found guilty of offending any kind of religion will face fines of up to AED 1 million.

Dubai police issued a fresh warning while also reminding residents to be responsible when using social media as part of Article 35 of the Cyber Crime Law that prohibits the posting of any offensive content on social media.

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Using electronic sites to display contempt for any holy symbols, characters, figures and rituals of Islam including the Divinity (Allah, God) the Prophets and for any other faiths or religions, or any of their symbols, characters, figures and rituals carries an imprisonment of no more than seven years and a fine ranging between Dh250,000 and AED 1 million.

Dubai police warned that people will be prosecuted if they offend any Islamic sanctities or rituals and any of the sanctities or rituals prescribed in other religions, insult any of the monotheistic religions and encourage, incite or promote sins.

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In addition, article 20 of the Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes carries a punishment of imprisonment and/or a fine of not less than Dh250,000 and not more than Dh500,000 for whoever insults or accuses another person of a matter of which he shall be subject to punishment or being held in contempt by others. (CC)