The UAE has detained two individuals found responsible of spreading false information regarding five members of an Emirati family who allegedly died due to complications from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Crisis and Disasters Prosection, stated that the news which was initially aired on a local television channel, caused ‘a state of confusion and fear’ among the Emirati community, citizens and residents.
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“We have not, and will not be lenient with anyone who doesn’t follow their duty and is irresponsible. We will apply the law firmly and decisively, given that the recklessness in sharing inaccurate information has a negative effect on society, said Al Zaabi.
The UAE’s Public Prosecution office launched an immediate investigation regarding the matter and within 48 hours, they caught the first accused individual who made up the completely fictitious story, and the second accused individual – the channel’s correspondent for not verifying the accuracy of the information provided to him.
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The public prosecutor has ordered the preventive detention of both individuals pending their investigation in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation procedures that the Public Prosecution undertakes.
“We will not allow any unnecessary upset to the tranquility of society and the safety of its members and we will apply the law to everyone who is tempted to prejudice this aspect of people’s lives,” warned Al Zaabi.
