Doha: The Peninsula website is now blocked by internet providers in UAE and the standard message “Access to this website is currently blocked” throws up when someone tries to access the URL thepeninsulaqatar.com
Most Qatar media websites are now not accessible in United Arab Emirates. Other English news websites like Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune were also not accessible in UAE.
A user tweeted that the website is now blocked in UAE.
The @PeninsulaQatar website is now blocked in the UAE. https://t.co/Ags4q1ij93
— Louise (@LouiseZaaijman) June 10, 2017
The UAE had previously threatened its citizens against showing "sympathy, favoritism" towards the Qatar in social media or by any other means whether written or spoken.
UAE's Attorney General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said the violation of these warnings will lead to a jail term of 3 to 15 years and a fine of not less than Dh500,000.
The UAE has blocked access to the website of Qatar Airways and Qatari Arabic media websites, including those of Al Jazeera media network.
At the same time Qatar has not blocked or censured any UAE media websites for their content.
Instead the Government Communications issued a statement urging all those who live in Qatar “to rise above and avoid responding to abuses that has been circulated in various social media platforms.”
“We also urge you to show a sense of responsibility by refraining from directing any kind of abuses to other countries, their leaders or their peoples. The right of Qatari citizens and residents to express their opinions is always guaranteed, however keeping in mind the Islamic and cultural values that have been bestowed on us,” it added.
