Brief
UAE removes criminal penalties for attempted suicide
The change comes with tougher punishments for those who aid suicide and new safeguards for minors.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Oct. 8, the United Arab Emirates announced that attempted suicide will no longer be treated as a criminal offence, according to a federal decree published by the government. The amendment to the Crimes and Penalties Law aims to move the response from prosecution to prevention, therapeutic support and early intervention.
The decree also introduces graduated penalties for anyone who encourages or assists another person in taking their own life. If the assisted attempt does not result in serious injury, the offender faces detention, a fine, or both. When the attempt leads to permanent disability, illness or an inability to perform personal tasks for more than 20 days, the punishment rises to three‑to‑five years’ imprisonment and a fine. If the assistance results in death, the penalty increases to five‑to‑seven years’ imprisonment.
Additional safeguards target children and individuals with diminished will or perception. When the victim is under 18 or lacks full mental capacity, incitement or assistance is treated as an aggravating circumstance. In cases where the person who attempts or dies by suicide lacks will or perception, the offender may face the same punishment as for intentional murder or attempted murder, depending on the circumstances.
The government said the reform is intended to reduce fear of legal consequences among people experiencing psychological crises, encouraging them to seek timely medical and psychological help. Authorities expect the new approach to improve monitoring of cases, collect better data and support more effective suicide‑prevention programmes.
Key facts
- Attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offence in the UAE. (gulfnews.com)
- The amendment introduces graduated penalties for encouraging or assisting suicide. (gulfnews.com)
- Assistance leading to death carries a penalty of five to seven years imprisonment. (gulfnews.com)
- Incitement involving minors or persons with diminished will is an aggravating circumstance. (gulfnews.com)
- The reform aims to shift focus to mental‑health support and early intervention. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE decriminalises attempted suicide under new law”
