UAE bans expressions of sympathy towards Qatar

On top of a possible jail term, offenders would also be hit with a fine of at least 500,000 dirhams


Reuters June 07, 2017
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. PHOTO: REUTERS

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has banned people from publishing expressions of sympathy towards Qatar and will punish offenders with a jail term of up to 15 years, the UAE-based newspaper Gulf News and pan-Arab channel Al-Arabiya reported on Wednesday.

Arab states sever ties with Qatar for 'supporting terrorism'

The United Arab Emirates, along with several other powerful Arab states, severed diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf state Qatar on Monday over its alleged support for militant groups and Iran. Qatar denies the accusations.

"Strict and firm action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of bias towards Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the United Arab Emirates, whether it be through the means of social media, or any type of written, visual or verbal form," Gulf News quoted UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi as saying.

Qatar calls Arab moves to cut ties unjustified, baseless

On top of a possible jail term, offenders would also be hit with a fine of at least 500,000 dirhams, the newspaper said, citing a statement to Arabic-language media.

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