Emirati poet jailed for posting 'inappropriate' poem

Abu Dhabi - He told the court on Thursday that he was wrongly convicted of posting the poem on social media

An Emirati poet who was convicted of violating the cybercrime law by posting a poem that violated the society's norms and traditions on social media has appealed his jail and fine sentences.
The man, who is known as the 'Poet of Sensations', had in February been sentenced to three months in jail and fined Dh250,000 by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of First Instance after he was found guilty of violating the cybercrime law and violating public order and morality.
But the poet challenged the ruling to the Federal Appeal Court denying the charges.
He told the court on Thursday that he was wrongly convicted.
The Federal prosecutors took legal action against the writer, known as the "poet of the senses" (Shaa'ir Al Ahasees in Arabic) for misusing social media, technology and violated public order and morality.
Official court records stated that the poet had published a poem, which is contrary to the UAE's social values, ethics and religion on social media.
Authorities did not disclose what the poem contained.
Judicial authorities said prosecuting the poet was within the framework of legal protection and preservation of social, ethical and religious values in society.
As per the law, use of technology in committing such crimes is subject to stiff penalties.
The UAE Cybercrime Law No. 5 of 2012, stipulates penalties like jail terms that could go up to a life sentence and/or a fine ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh3 million depending on the severity and seriousness of the cybercrime.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi