The latest social media posts by the State Prosecutors Office, UAE, have further clarified the legal repercussions which might follow if entrusted secrets are revealed. This has been clarified through a film material that has been shared on the social media handles of the public prosecutor.

It is pertinent to note that Article 379 of the Federal Law No. 3/1987, promulgating the Penal Code, states that:

Punishment by detention for a period of not less than one year and by a fine of not less than twenty thousand Dirhams, or by either of these two penalties, shall apply to any one who is entrusted with a secret by virtue of his profession, trade, position or art and who discloses it in cases other than those lawfully permitted, or if he uses such a secret for his own private benefit or for the benefit of another person, unless the person concerned permits the disclosure or use of such a secret.

Furthermore, if the perpetrator is a public official or assigned to a public service and deposited the secret during, because of, or in connection with the performance of his job or service, the same would entail a punishment of five years imprisonment. These clarifications are being released as part of the Prosecution Office's on-going campaign to enhance legal awareness and legal culture among the citizens. The campaign seeks to promote the culture of law as a way of life.