Brief
UAE law imposes up to seven years jail for inciting or assisting suicide
Amendments announced on Oct. 8 introduce graduated penalties, decriminalise attempted suicide and mandate deportation of foreign offenders.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Oct. 8, the United Arab Emirates announced amendments to its Crimes and Penalties Law that make incitement or assistance to suicide punishable by up to seven years in prison, Khaleej Times reported.
The new provisions create graduated penalties. If the incitement leads only to an attempt without death, the offender faces detention, a fine, or both. When the attempt results in permanent disability or incapacity for more than 20 days, imprisonment ranges from three to five years plus a fine. If the victim dies, the sentence rises to five‑to‑seven years.
Attempted suicide itself is no longer a criminal offence, aiming to encourage people in crisis to seek help without fear of prosecution. The law adds harsher treatment for victims under 18 or those with diminished will, treating such cases as aggravating circumstances and, in extreme cases, applying murder‑type penalties.
Foreign nationals convicted of incitement or assistance must be deported, while courts may exempt offenders who intervene and successfully prevent death, provided no permanent injury occurs.
Key facts
- Inciting or assisting suicide can carry up to seven years imprisonment. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Attempted suicide is decriminalised under the new amendments. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Foreign nationals convicted of these offences will be deported. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Aggravating circumstances apply when victims are minors or lack full will. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE: Up to 7 years in jail for inciting, assisting suicide under new law”
