Influencer Arrested in Dubai for Filming Missile Attacks

A French influencer, Maeva Ghennam, was reportedly arrested in Dubai after filming Iranian missile attacks and sharing the footage online. The 28-year-old expressed significant fear during the incident, noting her knees were shaking as explosions sounded nearby. Her reported arrest comes amid a wider sweep in the United Arab Emirates, where authorities have detained numerous individuals for disseminating images and videos of Iran's attacks.

This crackdown aims to preserve Dubai's image as a carefree city. Reports indicate that a European tourist and a British man were among those detained or charged under cyber-crime laws for sharing similar footage. The British man faces charges for broadcasting rumors or propaganda that could disturb public security.

However, Maeva Ghennam has since denied her arrest, calling the stories false via an Instagram post. UAE police have publicly shared mugshots of 25 individuals arrested for sharing 'war footage.' This is part of a strict control on free speech, with officials warning against sharing information that incites panic, especially as Dubai has been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones.