Introduction:
Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2023 on Combating Discrimination, Hatred, and Extremism prohibits any form of religious extremism or discrimination in the UAE. The punishment and consequences for crimes against religious harmony and social structure have been defined in this law.
Any action that is considered to be defamatory of religion is forbidden by Article 4 of the aforementioned law. Blasphemy, disdain, insults, or derision of God, religions, sacred rituals, sacred sites, prophets, apostles, or their families are all included in this. Depending on the seriousness of the offense and the means used to commit it, offenders may be sentenced to at least a year in prison and fined between AED 250,000 and AED 1,000,000.
In addition to this, Article 6 defines the term discrimination, it is an act of discrimination against religion, belief, race, colour, ethnic origin, gender, or race. Offenders may face imprisonment for a minimum period of one year and/or be fined between AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000. This will be aimed at the protection of people and groups from unwarranted treatment or exclusion based on such discriminatory grounds.
According to Article 7, hate speech is illegal and it is prohibited that is spread for the purpose of creating conflict or provoking conflict among individuals or groups. Offenders using any means of expression or communication channels to provoke hate speech are subject to imprisonment for not less than one year, along with fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000.
In order to combat extremism, Article 18 specifies actions or beliefs that threaten public order or incite discrimination or defamation against some religions. Counselling centers may be required to admit individuals who show a severe form of extremism, and they may be subject to periodic evaluations to evaluate their rehabilitation under court order.
Punishment for Criminals:
Crimes under Articles 5, 6, and 7 could be sentenced to imprisonment along with significant fines.
Manufacturing or trading in materials that promote religious defamation or hate speech attracts a sentence of imprisonment with a minimum term of two years and fines of up to AED 500,000 and a maximum of AED 2,000,000 under Article 11.
Membership or the support of extremist organizations attracts seven years of imprisonment under Article 14.
Organizing or participating in groups that promote defamation, discrimination, or hate speech can carry a sentence of imprisonment for up to 10 years.
In addition to this, the specific provisions regarding extremism are detailed in the aforementioned law. The court may at its discretion, impose rehabilitation-focused counselling for individuals or groups exhibiting extremist behavioural patterns, as stated in Article 18 of the law. Article 19 stipulates the preventive measures, which authorizes the implementation of travel bans, surveillance, and residency limitations, to prevent extremist actions. In order to strengthen national security efforts and promote social stability and harmony, Article 20 further establishes extremism lists to monitor and examine organizations and individuals that are considered extremists on a regular basis.
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About the Author
Dr. Hassan Elhais publishes analysis of UAE criminal law matters, including defamation, reputation and legal issues involving public statements. For readers researching a defamation lawyer in Dubai, his writing offers insight into the legal questions surrounding these topics. Explore his published work and practice-area information for further context.
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