Courts in the UAE protect trials from outside noise. Reporting on active investigations is limited, and police hold back names and details until the case closes. Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 bars content that insults the judiciary or encourages crime.
From our work in Dubai, one pattern repeats. Publicity does not win cases. Evidence and procedure do.
What media and social posts actually do
- Trigger separate charges. A tweet, reel, or “update” about the case can fall under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on cybercrimes. Penalties can reach jail or fines up to AED 1,000,000 for defamation, fake news, or insults. Even a repost can be treated as an offense.
- Become evidence. Dubai courts accept digital records. A party’s online comments can complicate the main file.
- Invite sanctions for media outlets. Publishing names or sensitive facts without authorization risks fines or cases against reporters.
- Rarely change trial outcomes. Judges decide on the record. The law does not have a “trial by media” rule like contempt in some common law systems.
How publicity affects bail or remand
- Media pressure is not a bail factor. Courts assess bail by law, not headlines. The Criminal Procedure Law sets criteria such as offense gravity, flight risk, risk of tampering, and risk to society.
- Remand is time-bound and evidence-driven. Initial remand can be up to 7 days, then extensions to 14 or 30 days by a judge based on investigative needs and strength of evidence.
- No record of bail denied only because of coverage. High profile cases are decided on procedure and proof.
Case snapshot
- The “angry post” mistake. An accused vents on Instagram about a witness. The witness complains. Prosecution opens a cybercrime file for insult and interference. The post is preserved and added to the main case as behavior evidence. The new file raises the risk of tampering, which harms the next bail bid. This flow matches how digital comments are treated and how bail looks at interference risk.
Practical rules to stay safe during an active case
- Do not post. Silence online is a legal shield. The risk of a second case is real.
- Do not brief the press. Wait for official statements. Police and media have strict limits until the file closes.
- Keep names private. Avoid naming suspects, victims, or witnesses without authorization.
- Channel updates through counsel. Let your lawyer speak, if needed, in measured terms that do not touch facts in dispute.
- Prepare for bail using facts only. Show ties to the UAE, clean record, and compliance. Do not argue media coverage. Judges look at legal criteria.
- Treat reposts as risky. Sharing or commenting on others’ content can still breach the law.
The message is simple. Win in court, not online. Protect your case, your record, and your freedom by staying off the feed until the file closes.
‘Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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