Dubai Court Fines Asian Maid DH2,000 for Violating the Privacy of Her Employer
In a troubling incident, a 16-year-long working relationship between an Asian maid and her Asian employer took a distressing turn.
Read also
The maid, who had been working for the family for an extended period, carried out a series of offensive actions, including assault and invasion of privacy.
Offensive Acts and Their Consequences
The maid not only physically assaulted the employer, his wife, and their granddaughter but also violated their privacy by posting their pictures on her Facebook account. Her online behavior was laced with insulting language, particularly targeting her young granddaughter.
Legal Action and Charges
In response to these offensive actions, the victim reported the incident to the Dubai Police. The authorities subsequently referred the accused to the Public Prosecution, and the case eventually reached the Misdemeanor Court. The accused was charged with insulting the victim and his family using information technology and invading their privacy by posting their pictures on Facebook without consent.
Court of First Instance Verdict and Appeal
The Court of First Instance, ruling in absentia, sentenced the accused to a fine of 2,000 dirhams but used clemency due to the circumstances of the case. Dissatisfied with the verdict, the accused appealed, but the court maintained its initial ruling.
Court of Appeal Decision
Subsequently, the accused appealed the verdict to the Court of Appeal. Her legal representative argued that the case should not be accepted, citing a delay in the victim's response and a lack of criminal intent. However, the Court of Appeal found the accused's denial to be an attempt to evade punishment and upheld the fine of 2,000 dirhams.
Privacy Invasion and Legal Recourse
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of invasions of privacy and offensive behavior in the digital age. It highlights the legal actions taken to address such issues and the repercussions for those found guilty of such actions.
Additionally, it underscores the significance of upholding privacy rights in the era of technology and social media.