Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jun 7: Following the severing of ties with Qatar, the UAE attorney general has warned citizens against showing any kind of sympathy for Qatar on social media or any other means.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday June 7, attorney general Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said that showing sympathy for Qatar in any form is punishable by law.
Dr Shamsi said that the UAE has taken a firm stand against Qatar over its hostile policies against the other GCC and Middle East countries, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of UAE's national security and its people.
"Strict and tough action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of favouritism towards Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the UAE, whether through social media, or any other forms of communication," media reports quoted Dr Shamsi.
Violation of the order would attract jail term of three to 15 years and fine of not less than Dh 500,000, under the provisions of Federal Penal Code and the federal law on Combating Information Technology Crimes.
The UAE, along with several other powerful Arab states including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday over its alleged support to terror groups and Iran. Qatar has denied the accusations, terming the action 'unjustified'.