UAE will introduce new tough laws against terrorism and for the protection of Royal families
Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates (UAE) will introduce death sentence or life in jail for those who will be found involved in terrorism. The draft law will be discussed by the Federal National Council (FNC) in a special session on July 21.
Ahmed Al Zaabi, the head of the legislative and legal affairs committee said on Monday that the issue of terrorism is important and the old 2004 law does not cover all the fields.
A draft copy of the legislation says:
Anyone convicted of attacking or endangering the life of the President, Vice President or any of the Rulers and their families could face the death sentence.
Anyone who starts, runs or manages a secret organisation faces a death penalty or life sentence.
Those found guilty of stating their opposition to the Government face at least 10 years in jail.
Anyone commits any act that threatens the security or safety of the country, or attempts a coup, will face death or a life sentence.
The draft law also covers issues of human trafficking and kidnapping, financing and campaigning for terror groups.
Those convicted of kidnapping a person or holding them hostage for a terrorist purpose will be jailed for life or no less than seven years.
Anyone who knows about a plot to destabilise the country but does not report it to authorities faces 10 years in jail.
If someone is convicted of hijacking an airliner or ship, they face life in jail.
Anyone found guilty of reporting a non-existent terror plot faces a minimum of five years, if the intention was to engender panic and terror among the public.
Whosoever carries around mock explosives or bombs in public will be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.
The bill will be debated in Council then will be sent to the Cabinet for consideration. It will then require the approval of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, before it becomes law.
