Social media always seems to have a way of getting people into trouble. This is especially true for one man. BBC News is reporting that a man named Scott Richards was arrested in Dubai because of a Facebook post. Richards faces criminal charges.
Richards’ post reportedly violates a fundraising law in Dubai. BBC News reports that the United Arab Emirates laws stop people from posting anything about charities that have not been registered. Richards’ was trying to raise money to help build up a poor community in the area. The campaign he was supporting was trying to help get clothes, sleeping bags, socks, and other supplies for the people of a refugee camp near Kabul. The people of the refugee camp have suffered much and reports state that almost 100 children froze to death at the facility.
Scott Richards is a citizen in both the United Kingdom and Australia. In spite of this, he was held in the country for 22 days because of the charges. The UK claims it provided support to Richards while he was trying to get out, but no information on how they aided his release is available.
BBC News is also reporting that Richards has been living in Dubai with his wife and children for work related reasons. After being arrested, Richards’ wife and children were severely concerned about him and how he would fair in the prison. Richards was only allowed to see his wife one time a week and has had limited access to a telephone. His mother has been quoted saying that her son was only allowed to change his clothes every seven days. She also says he was forced to pay for his drinking water.
With many jobs requiring people to travel across the globe, laws and regulations become very confusing. Because of this, people like Richards are detained for reasons that seem foreign to outsiders. Companies and the government need to do a better job in making sure their travelers stay as safe as possible.
