Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

A man in Al Ain has been fined Dh25,000 for insulting a woman via WhatsApp, marking a stern reminder of the legal consequences of cyber harassment in the UAE. The Al Ain Court of First Instance ordered the man to pay the amount as compensation for the reputational damage and emotional distress caused to the woman. According to the case documents, the woman filed a lawsuit against the man, seeking compensation of Dh100,000 for the material and moral damages incurred. She also requested legal interest on the amount, in addition to the defendant bearing the costs of the lawsuit, including fees, expenses, and attorney's fees. The lawsuit was prompted by the defendant's use of an information network to insult the plaintiff. The plaintiff presented a copy of the WhatsApp conversation and the previous criminal judgment as evidence to support her claim. The court examined these documents and found in favor of the plaintiff, acknowledging the harm she suffered due to the defendant's actions. The court recognized the insult as an infringement on the woman's reputation and emotional well-being, and ordered the man to pay her Dh25,000 as compensation. The UAE's cybercrime laws are stringent, designed to protect individuals from abuse and ensure that digital interactions are conducted within the bounds of the law. Insulting or defaming someone online can lead to severe penalties, including criminal conviction and financial compensation for the victim. 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