Cop chief files suit vs tweeter in UAE

A man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now faces up to three years in jail or a Dh30,000 fine for violating a law against cursing a public servant - using Twitter.

 

The case, lodged by a police chief against a civilian, is considered a first of sorts due to the use of the micro-blogging platform, the Gulf News reported.

 

Judge Ali Attiyah Sa'ad rejected the accused's request for bail and adjourned the case to March 11.

 

But the 42-year-old Emirati, who was charged by police chief Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim, insisted before the Dubai Misdemeanours Court he was not guilty.

 

"I am not guilty. I did not mean to use such language against Lt Gen Dahi, but I meant his entourage [some of the people who work under his command]," he said.

 

He added he had repeatedly requested to meet the plaintiff, but he was constantly refused.

 

The Gulf News report said the charge sheel accused the Emirati of cursing a public servant - Dahi.

 

Under Article 374 of the Federal Penal Law, an offender faces a maximum punishment of three years in jail or Dh30,000 fine.

 

On the other hand, the Gulf News report said Dahi initially waived a similar complaint against the Emirati but the accused allegedly repeatedly used foul language on the police chief's Twitter account. — TJD, GMA News