One-year jail term or more for spreading false rumours

Aya Al Deeb, Staff Reporter

The Public Prosecution confirmed that whoever spreads false rumours to cause panic among people or harm the public interest would be punished by the Federal Penal Code.

The Public Prosecution stated that paragraph 1 of Article 198 of the Federal Penal Code stipulates that whoever intentionally spreads false or malicious news, statements or rumours to disturb public security, cause panic among people or harm public interest will be sentenced to no less than one year in jail.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution outlined 7 steps for filing a petition or complaint via its smart platforms. These steps include typing the complaint, recording the defendant’s full data and then submitting the complaint via the Public Prosecution’s website or smart app.

The Public Prosecution stated that the steps also include attaching all the complaint-related documents, if any, and paying the due fees. The complaint will be studied by the chief prosecutor or the competent prosecution member and a letter will then be sent to the police to initiate an investigation.

Recently, the security services in the Sharjah Police General Command arrested a taxi driver within three hours of him being involved in performing banned activities in one of the roads of the emirate. The driver published material in a section of social media.

The video showed the driver performing activities in his vehicle in one of the external roads of the emirate in violation of all traffic laws and rules.

The dangerous act put lives of others in danger and also endangered public property.

The Sharjah Police tracked the driver through their various security channels and took him in custody.

The police are preparing documents to take legal measures against the driver. They stressed their keenness to ensure security of the people and community safety controls.

The police have warned that they will not tolerate any activities or incidents that put the life of community in danger.