Abu Dhabi court fines man Dhs20,000 for harassing, threatening woman on phone, social media

Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court ordered a man to pay Dhs20,000 in compensation to a woman who was annoyed and harmed by his repeated phone calls and social media harassment, threats, and defamation.

A criminal case had been filed, and the court ruled a financial fine of Dhs5,000 in favour of the woman.

In detail, a woman filed a lawsuit against a man, requesting that he be ordered to pay her Dhs5,000 for material and moral damages and to bear the costs and fees of the lawsuit.

She submitted a copy of a criminal judgment and a certificate of no appeal.

She also stated that the defendant harassed her with repeated calls, threats, and defamation, and the court fined him Dhs5,000.

The court clarified that it was established that the criminal judgment convicted the defendant of threatening the victim and misusing communication means, especially WhatsApp and Instagram, and for committing acts which affected her reputation and social standing.

He also sent her threatening messages and contacted members of her family claiming that he had a relationship with her, spoke about matters affecting her honour and reputation, and spread false stories about her to others, in addition to sending her photos through Instagram accounts.

Besides, he contacted her brother and father using an international number, so the criminal court convicted him and punished him with a fine of Dhs5,000.

The court stated that the complainant suffered severe harm, psychological and moral distress, and an assault on her reputation and social standing, which necessitates fair compensation commensurate with the gravity of the act committed and its effects. Therefore, the court estimated the moral compensation at Dhs20,000.