UAE Cybercrime Law: Protecting Religious Sanctities Online (Article 35)
Article 35 of the UAE Cybercrimes Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) addresses offenses related to insulting religious sanctities and promoting sin through online platforms, computer networks, information technology, and websites. This law aims to maintain religious tolerance and social harmony in the UAE.
Offenses and Penalties Under Article 35:
Article 35 covers several categories of offenses, with varying levels of penalties:
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- Insulting Islamic Sanctities or Rituals: Any online content that insults Islamic sanctities or rituals is punishable by:
- Imprisonment
- A fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 1,000,000
- Or both penalties
-
- Insulting Sanctities or Rituals of Other Religions (Protected Under Islamic Sharia): Insulting the sanctities or rituals of other recognized religions that are protected under Islamic Sharia is subject to the same penalties as insulting Islamic sanctities:
- Imprisonment
- A fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 1,000,000
- Or both penalties
-
- Insulting Recognized Celestial Religions: Insulting any recognized celestial religion online also carries the same penalties:
- Imprisonment
- A fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 1,000,000
- Or both penalties
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- Condoning, Provoking, or Promoting Sin Online: Engaging in or promoting any form of sin through digital means is also punishable under this article. This is a broad category and its application may depend on specific interpretations of what constitutes "sin" under UAE law.Keywords: promoting sin online UAE, online immorality UAE, cybercrime morality UAE
Increased Penalties for Blasphemy (Insulting Allah, Prophets, Islam):
If the offense involves insulting the Divinity (Allah, God), the messengers and prophets (including Prophet Muhammad), or directly targets the religion of Islam by injuring its foundations and principles, the penalties are significantly more severe:
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- Imprisonment for up to seven years.
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Importance of Religious Tolerance and Social Harmony:
These strict penalties reflect the UAE's commitment to protecting religious sanctities, promoting religious tolerance, and maintaining social harmony within its multicultural society.
Legal Advice and Reporting:
If you encounter online content that you believe violates Article 35 of the UAE Cybercrimes Law, you can report it to the relevant authorities. If you are facing accusations related to this article, it is crucial to seek immediate legal advice from a qualified lawyer specializing in UAE cybercrime law.
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