While her husband and children were permitted to proceed, she was held in police custody overnight and subsequently transferred to Ajman.
A UAE resident was detained at the airport upon returning from travel after being informed that she was “wanted” in Ajman. While her husband and children were allowed to proceed, she was held in police custody overnight and later transferred to Ajman.
What triggered the police action was reportedly an apparently “simple” comment she had posted on another woman’s Instagram post.
In a video released by Ajman Police, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mohammed bin Hazem Al Suwaidi recounted the incident, saying: “She was shocked, her husband was shocked, and their children were confused. There was a report against her in Ajman and they had to transport her to the emirate.”
In a video posted by Ajman Police, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mohammed bin Hazem Al Suwaidi recounted the incident, saying: “She stayed in our command for a day, and then she was transferred to Ajman. This is a legal procedure. If it is a case that allows for bail, she can be bailed out at the centre or referred to the public prosecutor, who will make a decision.”
He added that she was later released on bail after being transferred to Ajman, following overnight detention—an outcome triggered by a comment she had made on another woman’s Instagram post, which led to an online bullying complaint.
“She saw someone she knew who posted a photo with a bag. She commented that the bag was a knockoff. People who saw the comment started laughing and bullying the woman with the bag, so she filed a report. Thankfully, eventually they were reconciled,” Al Suwaidi explained.
Remote Bail
An Instagram comment may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to legal complications. To address such situations, Ajman Police have introduced a new service under the Zero Bureaucracy Program.
In coordination with the Public Prosecution, the ‘Remote Bail’ system allows bail to be granted electronically for cases classified as misdemeanours rather than felonies, helping to streamline procedures.
The video also reminded residents of the penalties under the federal Law on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes, which prescribes imprisonment and/or fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 for such offences.
