Man arrested in Abu Dhabi for negative Google review faces potential jail time

Craig Ballentine, a Northern Irish man, was arrested in Abu Dhabi for posting a negative Google review about his former employer in Dubai. He faces potential jail time under strict UAE cybercrime laws. Although released, he cannot leave the country until his case is resolved. Ballentine was detained for several hours without contact with family. He had previously faced a travel ban after being labeled as "absconded" by UAE authorities due to illness. After returning to the UAE for a holiday, he was arrested for alleged slander. His friends and family are campaigning for his release, with support from the advocacy group Detained in Dubai. They have reached out to Northern Ireland's First Minister and the UK Foreign Office for assistance. Ballentine remains in Dubai, unable to work or return home.