Arabian Business reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued an arrest warrant for a man who was filmed displaying arrogance while attempting to purchase expensive cars from a luxury showroom.
The state-run news agency, WAM, states that the video insults and mocks Emirati society, stirring up harmful public opinions. In the viral video, an Asian man dressed in Emirati attire is seen accompanied by individuals carrying large amounts of money, expressing his desire to buy a Mercedes, Rolls Royce, and a Red Bull sports car, among others.
The UAE’s Federal Prosecution for Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes has ordered the man’s detention pending investigations. He is accused of utilizing the internet to spread provocative propaganda that harms public opinion and the public interest. The charges against him also include publishing content that deviates from media content standards and insults Emirati society.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation at the UAE Attorney General’s Office monitored the social media video, which shows the defendant dressed in Emirati attire inside a luxury car showroom, followed by two individuals carrying large sums of money. The video captures the man engaging in an “arrogant” conversation with the showroom owner, requesting to purchase a car valued at over AED 2 million ($545,000). Additionally, the video shows the man distributing financial packages to the showroom employees in a manner that exhibits imprudence and a lack of appreciation for the value of money.
The video’s content has been deemed offensive and derogatory towards Emirati citizens, inciting and provoking public opinion in a way that harms the public interest. Consequently, the Public Prosecution has summoned the owner of the car showroom where the video was filmed.
The Public Prosecution has urged social media users in the UAE to adhere to legal and ethical regulations when publishing media content, taking into account the societal characteristics and values of Emirati society that require moral commitment in all aspects of behavior to avoid legal consequences.
