Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has warned about posting photographs or video clippings of traffic accidents on the social networking sites, keeping in view respect for human dignity and the feelings of relatives of the deceased and those injured.

In a statement, the ministry today said the circulation of these images "is deemed an irresponsible behaviour and lack of a positive spirit among the citizenry. It is also a violation of the law."

“Sharing of accident photos is an unacceptable behaviour, which disturbs families of the decreased and the injured. This is also not compatible with the UAE’s customs and traditions, which have been derived from the tolerant Islamic concept. There is zero tolerance for those who are engaged in such behavior,” the ministry said in a statement.

Zero tolerance means that if you are caught sharing photos of accidents online any platform, you will be arrested, imprisoned and consequences can include being deported.

The ministry underlined that it would bring to book those who indulge in such undesirable behaviours.

Earlier, activists had circulated on the social networking sites photos of two people who were killed in a traffic accident at a restaurant in the emirate of Ajman. Five others were injured in the accident.

Major Fawaz Ali Abdullah, Director of Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior, said the posting of such images hurts the feelings of relatives of the deceased, and those injured. He added that such a behaviour deepens the pain and grief of their families.

He wondered why some people film the accidents and circulate these images through phones despite repeated warnings from the concerned authorities that spread awareness messages about the negative effects of this behaviour which violates the privacy of others without realising the extent of the pain and grief for the loss or injury of dear ones in such accidents.

Major Abdullah stressed that the police authorities were keen to disclose the circumstances surrounding the accident in a transparent and credible manner without any delay once necessary investigations were completed to inform public opinion about its findings. He added that these procedures were within the scope of the vision of the ministry to safeguard the security and safety of public.