Q: Good afternoon, I was involved in an argument with my neighbours due to noise from their side, the argument escalated and I called them names. During the argument, I called the police. When the police arrived, the involved neighbours had left already. The police said that I could file a complaint at the police station, but I didn't. The next day, I received a call from the police informing me that they filed a complaint against me. The case is currently awaiting transfer to the prosecution. I was told not to try and contact the neighbours in order not to escalate it to a bigger case. It's been almost 2 months and my passport is on hold with the police since then. I need your advice to solve this matter. Thank you

Q: I am here on a tourist visa. A UAE local who is a sponsor of a company owned by my boss has had a falling out. I am not connected to this business in any way. However, because I am connected with the foreign investor, the local has opened a criminal case against me. The allegations are completely unfounded, however, I am currently awaiting the prosecutor's verdict. I have a travel ban and my passport is being held by the police. Once found innocent, can I claim defamation of character and claim my losses, holidays missed, lost business in my home country as I have not been able to return and tarnish my reputation?

Q: My Facebook profile about my depression state was shared with people at work who showed to me and also confirmed in writing addressing the issue via email confirming my post was shared with them. This has caused a lot of damage to my reputation in the workplace and which led to my termination under the false pretence of underperformance during the probation period. They also had facts and records to prove that my performance was good but due to my reputation at work, I was wrongfully terminated. I want to know from a legal point if I want to press charges on the people who showed and circulated my Facebook post which was non-work related, how can I exercise my rights as an abiding citizen? Thanks.

Q: My brother is physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive since he was a kid. There were times the police were about to be called on him since he hit other kids. He has hit my mother in the past and he still mentally tortures her. He has physically abused me not only at home but outside too and there were CCTV cameras. I have proof of him hitting my little brother but I am afraid to file a case since my mother is mentally ill and my father just wouldn't care about what he does anymore. I am going to have another sibling and I am really afraid that he will be continuing this behavior forever and will be a threat to our family members. I am genuinely tired of living in fear for myself and my family members every day. Please help me to know what can be done on this matter legally!

Q: Can a person open a criminal case for slander of adultery after one and a half years and what is the penalty for this kind of accusation in court?

The law promulgates UAE Criminal Procedural Law (Penal Procedures Law) which governs criminal procedures in the UAE. This law applies to the procedures relating to offences whose punishments are not specified, dogma and punitive offences, and blood money, if they do not violate the Sharia rules.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.