UAE court slaps man with Dh10,000 fine for insulting woman on WhatsApp
Defendant ordered to cover compensation, legal costs, and fees
A man in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ordered to pay Dh10,000 in compensation to a woman after being found guilty of insulting her through WhatsApp.
The Al Ain Court of First Instance ruled that the man's actions caused significant emotional harm, including humiliation and psychological distress.
The court also directed the defendant to cover all associated legal costs and fees. The woman had filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh51,000 in compensation for material and moral damages after the man was convicted of insulting her in a criminal court.
Claims and counterclaims
The defendant’s lawyer argued that the woman initiated the conflict by sending provocative messages and cursing the defendant. However, court records indicated that the man’s insulting messages were central to the case, leading to his criminal conviction, which was upheld through appeal.
The court ultimately rejected the defence’s claims, emphasising the emotional impact of the insults on the woman’s dignity and mental well-being.
Final ruling & compensation
Highlighting the seriousness of non-material damages, the judge ruled that Dh10,000 was an appropriate amount to compensate the woman. The court underscored that this sum sufficiently addresses the emotional harm and reputational damage caused by the incident.
The ruling reflects the UAE’s stringent stance on defamation and emotional harm caused through digital platforms like WhatsApp.