The continuous COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an incredible number of changes to the manner in which we work, mingle and socially connect. The criminal justice framework is nowhere different from other sectors, and various laws and procedures have been adjusted to constrain physical connection and secure powerless individuals during the pandemic.

We have set out a portion of the more significant changes underneath, however recall that the clinical counsel and the law around this circumstance is evolving quickly, at a state and national level. This data is precise at the hour of creating it, yet please get in touch with the best Criminal Lawyers to get the most recent update on the law.

The preliminary step taken by the criminal courts during the lockdown was temporary suspension of all criminal cases for all cases where the individuals were on bail and were adjourned post 16 April 2020. However, the cases where the accused were held by the court will be heard on immediate basis.

In furtherance, the government issued provisions and cabinet decisions wherein, anybody intentionally spreading coronavirus or neglecting to report a suspected or positive Covid-19 case will confront robust fines and prison, the specialists have cautioned as they step up measures to contain the pandemic.

For deliberately spreading the contamination, the punishment is as long as five years in jail as well as a fine at the very least Dh50,000 and not more than Dh100,000. For not detailing a case, the violator will be imprisoned for three years in prison or potentially a fine not surpassing Dh10,000.

In addition, spreading fake information about COVID-19 will also be punishable under the law. Therefore, posting, remarking or coursing messages, data or pictures with respect to Covid-19 patients and their families via web-based networking media, regardless of whether the substance is intended to prompt or for their prosperity, will be viewed as attack of protection and maligning.

This is in reference to Article 24 of the Cyber Crime Law, those found utilizing the innovation to attack another person's security which can even incorporate listening in, replicating photographs or distributing news could be imprisoned for a half year and face fines between Dh150, 000 and Dh500, 000.

The Ministry of Justice has affirmed that punishments accommodated in Federal Law No. 14 of 2014 on the control of transmittable diseases apply to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after it was formally included by the Ministry of Health and Community Protection in the rundown of transferable sicknesses connected to the law. The service noticed that the approvals specified are planned for ensuring general wellbeing and reinforcing the state's endeavors in executing the procedure of battling transferable sicknesses and forestalling their spread, including the coronavirus. The authority clarified that violation of the law is detainment or potentially a fine of up to Dh10,000.

Should you have any questions or concerns with respect to the time span in which your case is advancing or in the event that you have a potential debate that is dependent upon a cutoff time or time bar, it would be ideal if you contact any of the colleagues recorded beneath or your typical contact at Stephenson Harwood during this emergency.

Originally published by Hassan Elhais, July 2020

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.