Craig Ballentine, a Northern Irish holidaymaker, was arrested in Abu Dhabi after posting a negative review about a former Dubai employer. He is currently unable to leave the UAE pending legal proceedings related to the slander accusation. His case has garnered attention from friends and family, who are advocating for his safe return home.

A holidaymaker from Northern Ireland, Craig Ballentine, experienced a traumatic ordeal after being arrested in Abu Dhabi for posting a negative online review about his former employer in Dubai. The 33-year-old care worker was detained under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws, which accuse him of slander. Although he has been released, Mr. Ballentine is unable to leave the UAE until the legal proceedings are resolved. His family and friends are concerned for his wellbeing as he faces an uncertain future while staying with a friend in Dubai.

In 2023, Craig Ballentine worked at a dog grooming salon in Dubai, where he accumulated challenges, including being wrongly classified as an ‘absconder’ due to his illness. After a lengthy process, he managed to leave the UAE but later wrote a critical Google review of his former employer, detailing his issues. Upon returning to the UAE for a short holiday, he was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport based on the negative comments made in the review, leading to distress for both him and his family.

The situation surrounding Mr. Ballentine raises significant concerns about the implications of online reviews and the strictness of cybercrime laws in the UAE. His ongoing case has cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by expatriates and the potential for severe legal repercussions over public expressions of dissatisfaction. Support from local authorities and advocacy organizations may be crucial in resolving his predicament and ensuring he can return home safely.

Original Source: www.bbc.com