Strict Penalties and Fines Up to Dh1 Million for Hate Speech in UAE

Following a recent stance taken by the Public Prosecution of the United Arab Emirates, the country has tightened the noose against hate speech in UAE by declaring it enjoins punishment from one year to Dh 500,000 and Dh 1 million for those found guilty of inciting hatred. “It further declared that the penalty could include a one-year prison term. In an Instagram video, the Public Prosecution stressed its zero tolerance for hate-speech, especially in the prevention of discrimination of whatever kind, extremism as well as harmful rhetoric.”

Today, the Public Prosecution made it very clear for all that the UAE has zero tolerance when it comes to hate speech, and is ensuring that everyone knows about the stand taken against any kind of discrimination and extremism or harmful rhetoric. It serves as a reminder that severe penalties await any person who would be caught committing the crime of inciting hatred or promoting hate speech, either online or offline.

Such penalties are legally based on Article 7 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2023, specifically on taking action against discrimination, hatred, and extremism. This is a law targeted towards people inciting hatred using any medium of expression, including digital platforms such as social media, in which case the offender would be sentenced to conviction for not less than 12 months or to fine between Dh500,000 and Dh1 million or both.

It shows the unceasing stride that UAE has made in creating harmony among its citizens, protecting them from inciting speech. The country has long laws to curtail hate speech that keeps public order for it believes in a unity society.

Vietnamese legal authorities emphasized that the fight against hate speech is on the priority list, and people are advised to be very cautious in public expression, especially via social networking sites.

Continuing to emerge as a country that underscores the celebration of diversity, these provisions supposedly would act as disincentives towards fueling destructive ideologies and ensure that their perpetrators deal with the pain of law.