Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Mar 15: The United Arab Emirates has arrested 25 individuals of various nationalities for publishing misleading content on digital platforms related to defence measures and military incidents, authorities said.
UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered their arrest and referred the suspects to an expedited trial after investigations revealed their involvement in circulating fabricated and misleading material that could harm national security.
According to the Public Prosecution, the individuals were monitored through electronic surveillance of digital platforms as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of misinformation and artificially generated content aimed at creating panic and undermining stability.
Investigations found that the accused were divided into three groups engaged in different forms of violations.
The first group shared authentic video clips showing the passage or interception of missiles in the UAE’s airspace and footage of their impact. Some also filmed gatherings of people observing these incidents and added commentary and sound effects suggesting ongoing attacks, which authorities said could create public panic and potentially expose defence capabilities.
The second group published fabricated visuals created using artificial intelligence or reused footage of incidents from outside the UAE while falsely claiming they occurred within the country. These videos reportedly included manipulated scenes of explosions and missiles, sometimes adding national flags or dates to make the claims appear credible.
The third group was accused of publishing content that glorified a hostile country and its political and military leadership, portraying its regional military actions as achievements and circulating propaganda supportive of its stance.
The Public Prosecution has begun formal investigations and ordered preventive detention of the suspects pending further inquiries.
Attorney-General Al Shamsi said spreading misleading information or manipulated footage online that threatens public security or reveals sensitive defence details is a serious criminal offence.
He added that such actions are especially dangerous during times of military tensions and warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of spreading misinformation that could harm the country’s security or stability.