Two in custody over 5-of-family deaths report
ABU DHABI 27 August 2020: The observed increase in the number of cases since the beginning of August is approximately 10 percent, according to the official spokesman for media briefing of the UAE government.
This naturally caused an increase in the number of active cases during the past two weeks, from 9.5 percent to 12 percent, said Dr. Omar Al Hammadi.
The positive news is that the health care institutions in the country were able to control the death rates to remain at 0.5 percent of the total cases, he added, said Wam.
Al Hammadi also stressed that the UAE is simultaneously making tireless efforts to find a vaccine, noting that the next phase requires even more cooperation and commitment to confronting the disease and limiting its spread.
Parties & Social Gatherings
Al Hammadi stressed the need to adhere to preventive measures and maintaining physical distancing. He highlighted the scenes that have been monitored on some social media sites, which included gatherings and holding parties in hotels or other facilities without the application of preventive measures.
Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), revealed the authorities began an investigation last Thursday evening immediately after the publishing of a fabricated story about the death of five members of one family as a result of Covid-19.
Monitoring, follow-up and coordination with the concerned authorities and The Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution was carried out to investigate the facts in less than 48 hours. Once it became clear that the story was fabricated, the necessary measures were taken.
5 Family Deaths & False News
Al Dhaheri warned against disrespecting the confidence of society and causing panic by broadcasting false news, data or rumours or by broadcasting propaganda and incorrect stories, as they disturb security and community peace, spread terror among people and harm the public interest.
Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution revealed that Abu Dhabi Sports channel broadcast live the story of five deaths from Covid-19 from one family.
The pandemic has negatively affected life in every country, which is why the leadership have been extremely cautious from the start when advising people on how to deal with it professionally, based on solid scientific evidence.
Al Zaabi pointed out that the Public Prosecution has not and will not be lenient with anyone who carries out their duties in a non-serious and irresponsible manner. The law will apply firmly and decisively if there is recklessness in performing media responsibility in such circumstances and – as is the case in the last incident – there will be implications for it.
Fake news investigations continuing
Al Zaabi announced that the Public Prosecutor’s Office rapidly initiated investigation about the incident and is still conducting in-depth enquiries. Not only to determine the legal responsibility and its perpetrators, but to also determine all the facts that are likely to be behind this incident.
Al Zaabi also affirmed that the Public Prosecution attaches great importance to clarifying the incident that was broadcast on the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel. The incident is false and fabricated, the family does not exist and the story is completely fictitious made up by the first accused individual.
The channel’s correspondent, who is the second accused individual, contradicted his professional work duties and did not contact the relevant authorities to verify the accuracy of the information provided to him.
Two held in custody
Al Zaabi revealed that the Public Prosecutor has ordered the preventive detention of the aforementioned individuals pending investigation, in order to ensure the integrity of the investigation procedures that the Public Prosecution undertakes. They are seeking a prosecution and are currently investigating, in order to clarify the situation and elements of what was published and the real motives behind the crime, the entities involved and people behind it.
He stressed that the Public Prosecution, based on their legal authority and transparent societal responsibility, highlighted again that they will not allow any unnecessary upset to the tranquility of society and the safety of its members, and they will apply the law to everyone who is tempted to prejudice this aspect of people’s lives.
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