Dubai, UAE — The government has said that Reuters’ decision to withdraw and apologise for a report claiming explosions were heard in central Dubai would not affect an ongoing criminal investigation into the publication of what authorities described as false information.
Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the Public Prosecution had expanded its investigation into the publication and circulation of the report, which alleged explosions had been heard in central Dubai.
He said prosecutors had questioned the reporter and summoned those responsible for preparing, approving and publishing the report at the news agency to examine their respective roles, the editorial procedures followed and compliance with legal and professional standards for verifying information before publication.
“The agency’s decision to withdraw the report and publish an apology does not preclude the continuation of the investigation to determine legal responsibility and take the actions required by law,” Al Shamsi said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM.
Reuters said on Friday it had withdrawn the July 16 report because it did not meet the news agency’s editorial standards.
In a statement, Reuters said it could not determine the origin of the sounds reported by witnesses or their significance before publication and regretted publishing the story in its original form.
Reuters said it withdrew the report and subsequently published a statement from the Dubai Media Office denying that explosions had occurred, giving that follow-up report equal prominence in line with its editorial standards.
Dubai authorities had earlier rejected the report, saying no explosions had occurred in the downtown area, and warned that legal action could be taken against media organisations publishing inaccurate or unverified information.
The Public Prosecution said its investigation would determine legal responsibility before any further action is taken.
