About 70 British nationals have reportedly been detained in the United Arab Emirates for filming or sharing images of Iranian missile and drone attacks, according to a British newspaper. Those held include tourists, foreign residents and airline crew members, with some allegedly kept in crowded cells and denied sleep, food or medication.

Local law prohibits photographing or publishing material that could undermine public security. During attacks, residents receive text warnings in Arabic and English cautioning that filming sensitive sites or sharing unverified information may lead to legal action. Police have reportedly inspected phones near attack locations and detained individuals found with related images, including some who only received the content through messaging applications.

Advocacy groups said the legal system has been overwhelmed, with some detainees held for months before formal charges. Several have been released on bail but had their passports confiscated, while foreign workers risk losing jobs and housing if visas expire during detention. Penalties can include lengthy prison terms or heavy fines.

Rights advocates have called for urgent diplomatic intervention, describing harsh detention conditions and pressure on suspects to sign confessions without legal representation. The United Arab Emirates embassy in London said individuals had been warned not to film or share material from incident scenes, stating that distributing such content could cause public panic or misrepresent the situation in the country.