Lady jailed in Dubai can appeal sentence – NiDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has said the Nigerian lady convicted in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, for circulating an “offensive” video on social media, Ms Dunchi Lar, can appeal the sentence.

Ms Lar had made and tweeted the viral video of a UAE official at the Airport, which led to the sentencing.

In a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, Abuja, the agency said she had up to 15 days to appeal the sentencing.

NiDCOM said under the UAE cybercrime law, taking a video or photograph of someone without his/her consent and posting such on social media is an offence punishable with one year jail term or a fine of between approximately $69,000 and $137,000 or both jail term and fine.

The statement read in part, “This law also applies to eavesdropping, recording, photographing, or disclosing audio or video communication of a person without his/her permission, taking photographs or videos of a dead person or accident victim without such person’s consent.

“She was sentenced on the 12th of October and has 15 days to appeal the judgment.

“Ms Dunchi Lar can still appeal the ruling and has been assured of moral and consular support by the Nigerian Mission in Dubai.”