A British man locked up in the UAE for photographing Iranian missile strikes has revealed horrific police beatings inside custody. He and fellow inmates suffered savage treatment, according to a handwritten note smuggled out and shared by campaigner Radha Stirling from Detained In Dubai.
Dozens of Brits Behind Bars Over Missile Pics
Up to 70 British nationals have been arrested in the UAE for filming or sharing images of Iranian strikes on the Gulf state. Tourists, expats, and even airline crew are packed into overcrowded cells. They face up to a decade in jail for allegedly threatening “national security and stability” just by snapping or sharing photos.
- The UAE is targeting anyone connected to missile strike images, including those who ‘like’ or comment on social media posts.
- Families report detainees suffer sleep deprivation, denial of food and medicine, no consular visits, and are forced to sign confessions they don’t understand.
- Those arrested include investors, airline staff, and even a multimillionaire businessman.
UAE’s Iron-Fisted Crackdown to Protect Its Image
The Gulf state’s strict laws ban sharing anything that might “disturb public security.” Even receiving such images can land people in hot water. Celebs and officials have been hit with cybercrime and national security charges carrying steep fines and long jail terms. The British embassy warns expats to avoid filming sensitive sites, and phones are routinely checked following Iranian drone or missile attacks.
“When people are arrested for sharing a photo or video, officials will arrest anyone that photo has been shared with – like friends or colleagues,” said Radha Stirling. “They demand to see phones and arrest those who liked or shared content.”
Legal Chaos Leaves Families Desperate
Local legal experts say courts are overwhelmed. Many detainees languish for months before facing charges. Some are denied proper consular access while others have been forced to sign Arabic statements they don’t understand. One British flight attendant for FlyDubai was arrested for sending a drone damage photo near Dubai airport to co-workers.
David Haigh, CEO of Dubai Watch and a former prisoner in the emirate, blasted the crackdown: “Dubai is obsessed with keeping its shiny image. Tourists and expats who take photos of missile strikes become the enemy. They’re arrested, vanished, threatened, and face years inside.”
Campaigners are urgently calling for action to free innocent Brits caught in the UAE’s brutal social media crackdown over Iranian attacks.
