Three foreign residents detained in Dubai after drone incident

Three foreign residents in Dubai were taken into custody after sending photographs or messages to family members confirming they were safe following a drone strike, The Guardian reports.

The campaign organisation said the residents were at home when a drone hit and caused an explosion. They immediately photographed the damage and sent the images privately to family members to reassure them that they had survived.

Instead of receiving support, the group claimed, the residents were detained by Dubai police after authorities requested to inspect their phones.

“Authorities should take a measured and compassionate approach towards residents who were reacting instinctively during a traumatic moment,” said Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai.

The claims and arrests have not been independently verified.

Last week, reporter Peter Beaumont noted that a 60-year-old British man, reportedly a tourist, was among 20 people charged in the UAE under cybercrime laws in connection with filming and posting material related to Iranian attacks on the country.

Dubai authorities temporarily suspended flights at the city’s international airport on Monday after the “drone incident” caused a fire nearby, though no injuries were reported.

By Vafa Guliyeva