Police chief warns against wrong notions on journalistic immunity

Dubai: The Dubai Police Chief warned against misinterpretation of the instructions concerning banning of detention of journalists working in the country.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said the wording of the instructions had been selected carefully in order to be very clear. "The order has clearly specified when journalists are immune from imprisonment terms," he said.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued instructions last week stating that journalists in the country will not be jailed for doing their work.

"Shaikh Mohammad's instruction is fair and reflects great understanding of the role of media in development. It also means that journalists who do not do their job according to the norms of their profession will not be immune from punishment as per the law. And those found abusing the immunity will not be tolerated," he said.

Speaking to Gulf News, Lt Gen Dahi said the headlines in a section of local press came up with wild assumptions far from Shaikh Mohammad's instructions.

Misinterpretation

"The headlines such as 'No imprisonment for journalists' reflect misinterpretation of those instructions," he said.

"The government and its institutions support the freedom of the press. We support journalists doing their jobs, but this does not mean they are above the law. This clearly contradicts the instructions," he said.

He said journalists who undermine others and distribute baseless accusations against people and slander their reputation without the support of substantial evidence will be punished in accordance with the law.

Lt Gen Dahi said, in his opinion, the instructions levy more responsibilities on journalists while performing their job.

"Ordinary citizens asked me if journalists are immune from liability in case they insult others in writing or while expressing their opinion in the media as per Shaikh Mohammad's instructions. The answer was that every citizen is liable for their actions, subsequently journalists are liable for damages inflicted on others as per the law," he said.

"The immunity against imprisonment is limited to journalists doing their job when they report factual incidents. The immunity will not be enforced in case they harm others while expressing their personal views."