The competent authorities arrest a person who infiltrated and photographed in prohibited areas without a permit

The competent authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah were able to arrest a person (A.M. – Arab nationality) after he filmed in prohibited areas without obtaining the necessary official permits, in clear violation of the regulations and instructions in force in the country.

The authorities explained that the aforementioned was able to sneak into these sites before he was monitored and arrested, as it was revealed through his interrogation that he works for one of the media institutions, but he does not have any permit authorizing him to enter these sites or practice photography work there.

Investigations also revealed that the accused infiltrated the site using a rented vehicle belonging to a journalist working for a branch of a foreign press organization in Dubai. The accused was referred to the Public Prosecution to take the necessary legal measures against him, against the backdrop of his entering prohibited sites and photographing them without a license.
During the investigations, it was found that the accused violated the laws and regulations, and that he photographed without obtaining official approvals, in violation of the decisions banning photography in force in those areas.

The procedures also revealed that the video clips were sent to a news journalistic institution in London via electronic means, without obtaining official permission, based on the direction of the director of the company’s branch in the Gulf region (B.A. – Arab nationality).

It is noteworthy that the laws in the country criminalize entering or being present in prohibited places without a permit, even if this is not accompanied by any other behavior. It also criminalizes taking pictures, preparing maps, recording coordinates, or any other means of documentation if this is done in violation of the prohibition decisions issued by the competent authorities.

The State Public Prosecution stressed the necessity of adhering to the applicable regulations and legislation, and obtaining prior official permits before starting any filming work, especially in sensitive or restricted locations, in order to preserve public safety and maintain security and public order.