UAE rights activist detained for social media criticism
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A leading human rights advocate in the United Arab Emirates has been detained and is being investigated for cybercrimes that include criticizing the government on social media sites, according to a government statement published on Tuesday.
The state-run WAM news agency reported that the Public Prosecution for Cybercrimes office had ordered Ahmed Mansoor’s arrest and that he will remain imprisoned pending an investigation into his alleged crimes.
The Dubai-based Gulf News said Mansoor is being accused of defaming the UAE on Twitter and Facebook, publishing false information about the country to damage its reputation abroad and promoting sectarianism. He is also facing charges that he encouraged people through social media to disobey UAE laws.
Mansoor was detained after a raid on his home in the emirate of Ajman in the hours before dawn on Monday.