Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An Irish expatriate, Stuart Quiney, could face jail time in Dubai after sending a ninja emoji to a Belgian acquaintance he accused of stealing his belongings. Quiney, 39, has been under a travel ban since his arrival in September, according to non-profit group Detained in Dubai, which is helping him in the case. The incident stems from a dispute dating back to 2022 when Quiney's personal items, including sentimental gifts from his late grandmother, were reportedly taken from an apartment by the Belgian resident. Efforts to resolve the matter legally or amicably were unsuccessful. In a drunken moment of frustration last year, Quiney sent emojis of ninja man and a blood drop, which was later interpreted as threatening. Upon his arrival in Dubai this year, he was detained and informed that a complaint was filed against him for violating UAE cybercrime laws. “He has been advised that he could face several years in prison under strict laws that prohibit rude, offensive or threatening text messages, even if expressed sarcastically, jokingly between close friends or loved ones,” according to Detained in Dubai. Cybercrime laws in the UAE impose strict penalties for messages perceived as rude, offensive, or threatening. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, said Quiney and his mother have apologized to the Belgian but that the latter has not withdrawn the case. Quiney, who has no prior legal issues, said, “I just want to recover my belongings and move on.” Efforts by Quiney’s family to mediate with the complainant have so far been unsuccessful. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page