UAE arrests 45 over Iran strikes videos

March 15, 2026

TL;DR

45 people of various nationalities arrested in Abu Dhabi for sharing videos of Iranian missile and drone strikes.
Iran states it has no hostility towards Arab neighbors but considers Washington's facilities legitimate targets.
Police stated that sharing videos could provoke public concern and spread rumors.
Legal and administrative measures have been taken against those responsible.
Detained in Dubai reported 21 people charged under UAE cybercrime laws for filming strikes.
UAE law allows for up to two years in prison and fines between $5,500 and $54,500 for this offense; foreigners may be deported.
Qatar detained over 300 people, and Bahrain detained six for filming Iranian strikes.
Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai warned foreigners about UAE's strict social media laws.
Stirling noted that arresting expatriates for sharing news during conflict could harm the Gulf's image as international hubs.
Israel has also increased censorship during the conflict, forbidding certain live broadcasts and images.

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