Stiff penalties for promoting explicit content among children

The UAE Federal Public Prosecution has stated that it was prohibited to circulate any material targeting children that encourage behaviour which violate the principles of public order and morality.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Public Prosecution said that, according to Federal Law No. (3) of 2016 concerning child rights, also known as Wadeema’s Law, it is strictly prohibited to publish, view, circulate, produce or be in possession of any visual, audio, video or printed material or games that target children and elicit sexual or other behaviour that go against principles of public order and morality or may trigger any type of behavioural deviance.

According to Article 66 of Wadeema’s Law, violators “shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not less than one year and a fine not less than Dhs100,000 and not exceeding Dhs400,000.”

The Public Prosecution is publishing these legal tweets to heighten legal culture and awareness among members of the public.

Recently, the Public Prosecution published an awareness video on its social media accounts, coinciding with the Emirati Children’s Day.

The video highlights the potential punishment for exposing children to torture, violating their physical integrity or committing any act involving cruelty that affect children’s emotional, psychological or moral balance.

The Public Prosecution pointed out that pursuant to articles 36 and 69 of Federal Law no. 3 of 2016 on Child’s Rights (Wadeema’s Law), which prohibits exposing children to torture, violating their physical integrity or committing any act involving cruelty, whoever violates these provisions shall be sentenced to detention and / or a fine of not less than Dhs50,000.

Publishing these tweets is part of the Public Prosecution’s campaign to promote the public’s legal culture and raise their awareness.

An earlier report said the United Arab Emirates will celebrate the annual “Emirati Children’s Day,” a national occasion celebrated on 15th March that aims to raise the community’s awareness about children’s rights.

WAM