In a significant defamation case, a man in the UAE has been ordered to pay Dh10,000 for insulting a woman through WhatsApp messages. The court found that the messages inflicted considerable emotional distress on the woman, underscoring the legal ramifications of online harassment and defamation.
The situation arose when the woman complained about the man for sending her offensive and defamatory messages on the widely used messaging platform. The court, taking into account the severity of the insult and the psychological damage it caused, ruled that the act violated the woman’s dignity and reputation.
This ruling highlights the UAE’s firm approach to cybercrimes and online harassment. The court stressed that defamation, whether done in person or through digital means, can lead to serious legal consequences, particularly when it causes emotional harm.
This case reflects a growing trend in the UAE, where the judiciary is increasingly taking a strong stand against online abuse and harassment, ensuring that victims receive compensation and that offenders face suitable penalties for their actions.