Mother Faces Trial over Privacy Breach, Defamation in School WhatsApp Group

A routine update in a school WhatsApp group has escalated into a criminal case, after a Dubai-based mother was charged with violating her former husband’s privacy and defaming him online, according to a case highlighted by the Dubai Public Prosecution on its official Instagram account.

 

The case involves a nine-year-old boy who lives with his mother following his parents’ separation. The former couple are currently involved in an ongoing alimony dispute before the personal status courts. The mother has claimed that she shoulders full responsibility for her son’s education and daily needs, and is awaiting a court ruling to secure the child’s financial rights.

 

According to prosecutors, tensions rose when the mother received a notification from the school’s WhatsApp parent group informing members that the child’s father had been added to the chat. The development reportedly angered her, as she believed he neither contributes financially nor plays an active role in caring for their son.

 

In a moment of frustration, the mother sent a detailed message to the group’s members, outlining her disputes with her ex-husband and accusing him of neglecting his parental duties and failing to provide financial support. She exited the group shortly after posting the message.

 

The father subsequently filed a complaint with security authorities, alleging that his former spouse had defamed him and violated his privacy by sharing personal family matters with other parents and school staff.

 

Following an investigation, the Public Prosecution charged the mother under cybercrime legislation for violating privacy and referred the case to the Dubai Misdemeanour Court for trial.

 

Authorities said the case underscores the legal risks associated with the misuse of social media and messaging platforms. They cautioned that publicly airing personal disputes can amount to a criminal offence, particularly when it damages another person’s reputation.

 

Prosecutors also urged separated couples to prioritise amicable solutions and protect the emotional wellbeing of their children, warning against allowing private family conflicts to spill into public forums.

 

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