As many as 70 Britons could be detained in the United Arab Emirates after filming footage of Iran’s attacks on the Gulf state.
A UK-based campaign group is urging the Government to take action after dozens fell afoul of the UAE’s stringent cybercrime legislation, which prohibits the distribution of conflict-related imagery online.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed it is supporting detainees, though it characterised the figure as "small" rather than endorsing the campaign group's estimates.
At least five individuals are understood to be receiving consular assistance, with others already freed.
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Among those reportedly detained is a London-based cabin crew member employed by budget carrier FlyDubai.
They allegedly photographed the site where an Iranian drone came down near Dubai airport and shared the image with colleagues while expressing safety concerns.
One case involves a 60-year-old Briton who recorded Iranian missiles on his mobile phone.
He now potentially faces a two-year prison sentence and a fine of approximately £40,000, despite having deleted the footage.
As many as 70 Britons could be detained in the United Arab Emirates after filming footage of Iran’s attacks on the Gulf state
|GB NEWS
A British lawyer is also believed to be among those arrested.
The UAE's cybercrime legislation carries penalties including imprisonment, substantial fines, and deportation for foreign nationals convicted of digital offences.
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, branded the UAE's laws "draconian" and criticised the British Government's response as inadequate.
"This is a serious failure of protection. Immediate and robust diplomatic intervention is required to safeguard their welfare and secure their release," she stated.
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The UAE enforces stringent cybercrime legislation, which prohibits the distribution of conflict-related imagery online
| GETTY"These are not criminals, but ordinary tourists, workers and residents who acted without malicious intent."
The campaign group warns that detention numbers could climb significantly higher, potentially reaching 100 or even 150 cases before the situation concludes.
Ms Stirling has described the UK's handling of the matter as "disgraceful".
Some detainees are said to be reluctant to approach the embassy because they lack confidence in the Foreign Office's support.
The Gulf state has come under attack from Iran following the launch of hostilities against the Islamic Republic by the US and Israel
| REUTERSDetainment in Dubai has raised serious concerns about the conditions facing those in custody.
They cite accounts of overcrowded cells, inadequate food provision, insufficient medical care, and restricted communication with the outside world.
The organisation says families of detainees are "desperate" and worried their relatives are "suffering".
An FCDO spokesman confirmed: "We are providing consular assistance to a small number of British nationals detained in the UAE in connection with this issue, and our Ambassador is engaging with the Emirati authorities about their cases."
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