Step by Step Process to File a Defamation Law in UAE 2024

Everyone living in the United Arab Emirates needs to know how to file a defamation lawsuit. Defamation law in UAE is a complex and serious issue that can have serious legal consequences. It is essential to understand the steps required to file a defamation lawsuit. Additionally, you have to learn how to protect your rights as citizens.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need about the step-by-step process of filing a defamation claim in the UAE. The first thing is to learn the definition of defamation law in UAE. Additionally, we will provide you with useful tips to help you find the best defamation law firm. Finally, we will show you what the fines or sanctions are for failing to comply with this law and the types of defamation in the UAE.

1. What is the Defamation Law in UAE?

The meaning of defamation in UAE is a legal term to refers to the act of making harmful and false statements about someone. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), defamation is a criminal offense with severe consequences punishable under the penal code.

Defamation in UAE is a serious crime that can have serious consequences on a person's livelihood and reputation. In Dubai, defamation is a criminal offense and is punishable under Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on the Promulgation of the Penal Code. That is, if you are a victim of defamation in the UAE you can file a case to seek justice and clear your name.

According to defamation law in UAE, it is the act of accusing a person of a crime in a way that damages their reputation, dignity, and honor. Additionally, it can refer to the act of spreading or publishing false information about someone that damages their reputation.

If you have a defamation accusation in Dubai, according to the defamation law in UAE, you can face fines, criminal charges, and even prison. The severity of the punishment depends on the severity and nature of the crime.

If you believe you are a victim of defamation in the United Arab Emirates, you can file a claim against the person or entity responsible for the false statements. You have to file the defamation case in a civil court or panel, depending on the circumstances of the case. For these situations, you also have to find a good lawyer with full knowledge of defamation law in UAE.

2. How to Initiate a Defamation Case in UAE?

To win a defamation case your lawyer has to have a deep understanding of defamation law in UAE and a solid case. However, before you win you have to file the case with the correct entity in Dubai. Below you will see some steps to be able to file your defamation case in Dubai.

2.1. Consult with a Legal Professional

If you want to file a defamation case in Dubai it is essential that you first hire a professional defamation lawyer. This way, you can count on a lawyer who knows everything about the UAE defamation law. Additionally, you will be able to evaluate your particular case and determine whether you have a solid case or not.

2.2. Collect all the Evidence

If you are wondering, how do I prove defamation in UAE? The answer is very simple. You must have the necessary evidence to support your claim. This way, in Defamation cases in Dubai you can present witness statements, text messages, emails, or anything else that supports your claim.

Evidence is always essential to prove the reason in different cases. For this reason, gathering as much evidence as possible will go a long way in strengthening your case. In addition, it helps your professional lawyer to better work on your claim.

2.3. Reach Police for Defamation Report

Once you have all the necessary evidence, the next step you need to take is to file a police report. The false accusations law in UAE establishes that defamation is a criminal offense. Additionally, you must file a police report before a civil case can be filed. In this way, the police report will serve as evidence before the UAE court and will help you strengthen your case.

2.4. Civil Case Against the Person

After you have filed a police report, you can file a civil case against the person who committed the defamation against you. Additionally, you can file a civil case where the defamatory statement was made or in the court where the defendant lives.

For this reason, you must hire an attorney to help you file the civil case and represent you in court. Even knowing more about the UAE defamation law, can guide you throughout the entire process.

2.5. Be Present in Court Proceedings

Once you have the civil case, you have to attend the court hearings. If you still have the question of how do I prove defamation in UAE? you should pay attention to this step. In these cases, the court will be in charge of hearing the parties to the case. In this way, you will make your decision based on the evidence presented.

For this reason, you must have an attorney to represent you in court. This way, he or she can ensure that all evidence collected is presented correctly.

2.6. Receiving Case Verdict

After the court has heard the parties to the case, it will issue a ruling. If the court rules in your favor, the defendant must retract the defamatory statement or pay compensation. Additionally, if the defendant does not comply with the order issued by the court, he or she may face additional legal problems.

3. Penalties For Defamation in UAE

The defamation law in UAE is part of the Crimes and Punishments Law. That is why, according to articles 425 and 426 of the law, defamation can be committed in the following ways:

Article 425: Publicly attributing statements to another individual that may expose them to the contempt or punishment of others. In this case, the penalty is imprisonment for a maximum of two years or a fine of up to 20,000 AED.

Article 426: Publicly insulting another individual without attributing any statement to him, but causing damage to his reputation. In this case, the penalty is imprisonment for a maximum of one year or a fine of up to AED 20,000.

If the insults or statements are published in a newspaper or any other publication, they will aggravate the circumstances of articles 425 and 426 of the defamation law in UAE.

On the other hand, pardoning or defaming a person who is a public official is a crime in the UAE. Furthermore, the magnitude of the crime will be higher. Therefore, the penalty for it is of a higher degree.

In principle, if the crime in Article 425 is against a person in the public service or a public official, the person guilty of the crime may have a prison sentence of almost two years. You may have to pay a fine of AED 20,000, or even both.

Finally, if the crime is against a public official under article 426, the penalty will be that provided for in article 425 of the defamation law in UAE. However, the fine in these cases can be from a minimum of 20,000 AED to a maximum of 50,000 AED.

4. Types of Defamation Law in UAE

The defamation law in UAE classifies this crime into two categories. The first is, that defamation can be defined as any published or written statement. While slander can mean any oral comment or statement made.

1. Insults and slander: All countries have laws that regulate defamation; This ensures a balance between freedom of expression and preventing the spread of false comments. Especially, those comments that have the intention to damage a person's reputation under the pretext of using freedom of expression. In the UAE they are very strict when it comes to laws that protect personal status.

Federal Law Number 3 of 1987 on the Penal Code, you can find the provisions that regulate defamation. In Article 372 of the Penal Code, there is everything about insult. That is, anyone who makes comments or statements against any person. Therefore, if you subject him to contempt or punishment, through any means of advertising, he will be responsible for the crime of slander. If the publication is in one of the newspapers or any other printed material, the penalty will be higher.

2. When it does not amount to defamation: According to article 375, if the person responsible for committing the crime of slander can demonstrate that the statements are true then it will not be a crime of defamation. This also applies if the statements are made against a public servant.

Article 376 has exceptions with written or verbal statements made in defense of the parties in a dispute. Specifically, before a court or the competent authorities. If such statements fall within the ambit of the right to defense, they should be considered.

3. Online defamation: This defamation can lead to severe punishments. Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on the Fight Against Cybercrimes is the one that establishes everything in this matter.

Conclusion

The false accusations law in UAE is a criminal law and not a civil law. What this means is that defamation is prosecuted as a criminal offense rather than a civil offense. According to articles 371 to 380 of Federal Law number 3 of 1987; criminal defamation charges are permitted against a person or entity.

Defamation is defined as the action of making false statements. Furthermore, these can be verbally or in media such as publications about another person and these false statements can negatively affect the reputation of the person affected. For this reason, the affected person can sue the person or organization that carried out the defamation.

Therefore, if you want to win a defamation lawsuit, it is important that you have an attorney experienced in these cases. Here at Connect Legal, you can count on a wide variety of lawyers who can help you in these cases. In addition, you can receive any type of legal advice you need from the best legal experts in the UAE.