A British man faces a potential two-year prison sentence in Dubai after posting a negative review of a dog grooming business.
Craig Ballentine, 33, from Belfast, worked at the canine salon for nearly six months last year. Following a fibromyalgia diagnosis, he took time off work with a doctor’s note but was later reported to authorities as “absconded” by his employer, allegedly in violation of Dubai’s employment laws.
After returning to Northern Ireland, Ballentine left a negative Google review of the grooming center and its owner. Three weeks ago, while on holiday in Abu Dhabi, he was arrested and transported to Dubai to face slander charges under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, expressed concern about the increasing number of cases involving foreigners arrested for online criticism in the UAE. She highlighted the potential for abuse of the country’s cybercrime laws, where simple complaints can lead to criminal charges.
“We’ve seen people arrested for complaining to customer service or for leaving online reviews on hotels and rental car agencies,” Stirling said. “Craig has been advised by local lawyers there is almost zero chance of the case against him being dropped.”
She added, “When someone is offended, even if they are at fault, they can open a criminal prosecution out of spite. Craig deleted the post, apologized but still faces jail. It’s outrageous.”
Stirling also warned about the dangers of the UAE’s cybercrime laws, stating, “The UAE’s recently enacted Cybercrime laws are a nightmare for foreigners.” She explained, “It is sufficient for a complainant to simply tell police that someone posted something offensive or rude. The police don’t even need to see the actual post.”
She further elaborated, “The complainants have all the power and often demand money from the accused to close out the case. It’s a means for vindictive people to extort. Once a criminal case is won, they can also open civil cases for massive damages – the system incentivizes it.”
Stirling highlighted the vulnerability of foreigners, saying, “Flatmates, co-workers and even spouses have abused this law and we find that it’s often foreigners who are taking advantage.” She added, “In this case, both parties are Western and most people wouldn’t dream of opening a similar case in their own countries but seem quite happy to open them in the UAE.”
Ballentine himself expressed his distress, telling Stirling in a phone call that his mother was “so upset and stressed she thought I was dead.” He is scared and desperate to return home.
Stirling emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “Craig needs to get home and get to work.” She criticized the authorities for allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system, saying, “It’s atrocious that authorities are allowing such frivolous criminal reports to entangle visitors in the system.”
She concluded by highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic intervention, “We have reached out to Craig’s local representative, Michelle O’Neil to implore her to make diplomatic representations to the UAE’s Ambassador and FCDO. We hope she can assist in the same way Ireland helped Tori Towey come home.”
Ballentine’s case has drawn attention to the risks of online expression in the UAE, where individuals can face severe consequences for negative reviews or critical comments.
