Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The UAE government issued a federal decree-law on Friday amending some provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law,
This is in line with the UAE’s commitment to establishing the principles of justice, preserving rights, and enhancing the protection of society.
And developing its legislative system to keep pace with social and security developments.
It strengthens the rule of law and general and specific deterrence, and protects the most vulnerable groups.
Towards legislative modernization
The issuance of the decree-law comes within the framework of the state’s ongoing approach towards legislative modernization.
This can be achieved by reviewing laws and improving their implementation tools to ensure justice is served.
And supporting the efforts of the judicial and legal authorities in dealing with rapid developments and facing challenges with modern and effective methods.
The new amendments include strengthening the judiciary’s ability to assess the cases of those convicted of certain serious crimes.
By allowing the convicted person to undergo medical, psychological and social examinations during the last six months of the sentence,
This is with the aim of preparing a comprehensive assessment of criminal risk based on the history and behavior of the convicted person.
And the results of specialized examinations and accredited professional reports.
Precautionary measures
The new amendment allows the Public Prosecution, whenever it deems it justified,
Therefore, you should submit a request to the competent court that issued the ruling.
To order the taking of additional precautionary measures after the end of the original sentence if it is proven that the convict continues to pose a danger.
His condition necessitated the application of this measure to preserve public safety, and these measures include:
Placement in rehabilitation centers, or placement in treatment facilities, or being subject to electronic supervision or monitoring,
This is with the aim of promoting community safety and protecting the most vulnerable individuals, and this request is subject to the court’s discretion.
Crimes and Penalties Law
The amendments also include granting the court, at the request of the Attorney General,
The authority to suspend the execution of a custodial sentence in certain crimes affecting state security.
When serious reasons exist to have confidence in the integrity of the convicted person,
This is done by imposing one or more of the measures stipulated in Article (235) of the Crimes and Penalties Law,
The period of the measure shall not exceed the term of the imposed sentence or the remaining period thereof.
The court may rule to cancel the stay of execution order and return the convicted person to the penal institution.
This is to fulfill the remaining term, based on a request from the Attorney General.
This applies if the convicted person violates any of the conditions set by the court.
Or he committed a new intentional crime during the period in which the measure is in effect.
This is to ensure a balance between the requirements of protecting state security and providing opportunities for reform and reintegration.
Strict restrictions
The decree introduced stricter penalties for crimes related to sexual assault or consensual sex.
It stipulated that anyone who had reached the age of eighteen would be punished with imprisonment.
If he has sexual intercourse with a female or has sexual contact with a person of the same sex under the age of 18,
A term of no less than 10 years and a fine of no less than 100,000 dirhams, even if it was with their consent.
The decree-law stipulated that consent is not legally valid unless the victim has reached the age of sixteen.
The amendment also stipulated the application of the provisions of the Juvenile Delinquents and At-Risk Juveniles Law
Anyone who has not reached the age of eighteen (18) and has consensual sexual relations with a female or has sexual contact with a male,
And on every woman who has not reached (18) eighteen years of age and has had sexual intercourse with a male with her consent or has had sexual contact with a female.
This emphasis reflects the state’s commitment to protecting minors and preventing any exploitation or violation of their rights.
The amendments also included harsher penalties for crimes of incitement, enticement, or seduction into debauchery or prostitution.
The decree stipulated that the penalty shall be imprisonment
for a period of not less than two years and a fine for anyone
who commits these acts.
The penalty is imprisonment and a fine if the victim is under eighteen years of age.
This is to ensure that minors are protected from
any dangerous practices or illegal exploitation.
A fundamental pillar in the development process
The amendments confirmed that updating the laws on crimes
and penalties represents a fundamental pillar
in the legislative development process in the UAE.
This reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to promoting
community security, establishing justice, and preserving human dignity.
Protecting the most vulnerable groups within a sophisticated legal system
that responds to the requirements of the current stage
and anticipates the future.
The amendments represent an important addition
to national efforts in combating crime, enhancing deterrence,
and developing the justice system.
This ensures the protection of society and the preservation of
its established values, security and stability.
