Abu Dhabi police arrest over 100 for filming, posting ‘misleading’ info during war

Seagulls fly over the city skyline in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

ABU DHABI - Police in the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi said on Friday that they arrested more than 100 people for filming and posting misinformation during the Middle East war.

The arrests come as Gulf countries crack down on footage and posts related to Iran’s attacks during the conflict triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.

“Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 individuals of various nationalities who filmed sites and incidents and circulated incorrect information via social media platforms during current events,” it said in a statement on X, adding that some had shared “misleading information”.

“Such actions are liable to incite public opinion and spread rumors among members of the community,” it added.

The UAE attorney-general has ordered the arrests of 35 people so far for publishing misinformation, filming or publishing footage of incidents related to the war or glorifying “a hostile state and its political and military leadership”.

Similar measures have been taken across the Gulf as Iran hits U.S. assets but also civilian infrastructure including landmarks, oil and gas facilities, airports and residential areas.

In Qatar, authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what they described as “misleading information” during the war.

Bahrain and Kuwait have also made similar moves.

The Gulf has borne the brunt of Iran’s attacks in response to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign.