ABU DHABI // A comprehensive and updated anti-terrorism law that includes harsh punishments for acts related to extremism has been approved by the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
The law passed through the FNC, who made amendments in a private session last month, then went to Sheikh Khalifa for final approval.
The federal law consists of about 70 articles and covers areas not included in the 2004 law, such as human trafficking and establishing guidance centres to rehabilitate those exposed to extremism back into society.
Article 41 says: “If a person is found to be terrorism prone, they are referred to one of the guidance centres based on a court ruling and a request by public prosecution.”
The law defines terrorists as people committing any act considered illegal that would lead to results of terror, whether directly or indirectly.
Those results include provoking terror among a group of people, killing or causing harm to people or property, and opposing the state or any other state or international organisation.
In addition to weapons including firearms, missiles and explosives, the law adds non-typical weapons as a tool for terrorism.
They include any device designed to kill others or harm lives through the spread of poisonous chemicals, an infectious creature or radiation.
Those who produce, prepare, import, export, possess or transport non-typical weapons for terrorist purposes would be issued a life sentence.
Those who steal or acquire by force, fraud, threat or blackmail any of these weapons would be punished by death or a life sentence.
The law issues capital or life punishments to many acts, such as impersonating a public figure and wrongfully claiming to be on assignment for a public service.
The same applies to those who start, run or manage a secret organisation.
A death sentence could also be issued to anyone found guilty of attacking or endangering the life of the President, Vice President, or any of the Rulers and their families.
Article 13 had its penalty upgraded by the FNC to death or a life sentence for anyone who holds hostage a female, a juvenile or mentally disabled person.
Ali Al Abbadi, a lawyer who has handled a number of terrorism-related cases at the State Security Court, said the law should have clear definitions of all aspects to do with such crimes.
“Acts of terrorism are expanding and have crossed continents, so the legislature always see it fit to update the laws accordingly,” Mr Al Abbadi said.
“The law should define clearly what is a terrorism crime and the related legislations should be clear to lift off ignorance and misunderstandings.”
He gave the example of new terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State, who disguise their operations with religious claims and promote conflict between sects.
While the UAE is stable and secure country, other countries who oppressed their people gave a fertile ground for the growth of such groups, who tempted people to follow them, Mr Al Abbadi said.
Other penalties issued in the law include five years in prison at least to anyone caught with mock explosives or bombs in public.
hdajani@thenational.ae
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
Bio
Age: 25
Town: Al Diqdaqah – Ras Al Khaimah
Education: Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering
Favourite colour: White
Favourite place in the UAE: Downtown Dubai
Favourite book: A Life in Administration by Ghazi Al Gosaibi.
First owned baking book: How to Be a Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson.
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 720hp
Torque: 770Nm
Price: Dh1,100,000
On sale: now
Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
Rating: 1.5/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5