Emojis bring Irish in Dubai behind grids - frightening laws!

Emojis bring Irish in Dubai behind grids - frightening laws!

An Irish citizen, Stuart Quiney, experienced a dramatic turn in the United Arab Emirates, where he was arrested in a message for the use of two emojis. The 39-year-old, who returned to Dubai in September 2024 to visit a vulnerable friend, was immediately arrested after using a drop of blood and a ninja when he wrote a text to a Belgian man who had entered his apartment. These symbols were interpreted by the authorities as threatening, which brought Quiney into serious difficulties. According to a report by Kosmo , he threatened several years in prison due to the strict cybercrime laws of the UAE.

Quiney traveled to Dubai in January 2022 to support his friend at a new beginning. During his stay in the city, he realized that said Belgian had entered his apartment and stole personal objects. After his return to Ireland, Quiney learned that his dementia -suffering grandmother was moved to a nursing home, which emotionally stressed him. Under the influence of alcohol, he sent the now problematic emojis in a message, which ultimately led to his arrest. As Extra.ie he spent several months before intervene and intervened to freedom.

return to Ireland

Thanks to the use of "Detailed in Dubai", Quiney was finally able to return to Ireland on December 21, 2024. "It is astonishing that I will be at home for Christmas," said Quiney before his departure. He emphasized that the use of the human rights organization was crucial for his success and it was the best Christmas present that he could wish for. Quiney and other tourists have brought the strict laws in Dubai into difficulties in the past, which illustrates the dangers of misunderstandings and misinformation in a legal system that is often considered unfair and unclear.

The case of Quiney is not unique; Other tourists, such as Craig Ballenine and Tori Toowey, also face legal problems in the VAE, which underlines the risks that exist for travelers in this country. Human rights activists were concerned about the possibilities of abuse of the law and warned of the consequences that such strict regulations can have careless travelers.