UAE amends Crimes and Penalties Law relating to suicide

The UAE has introduced a significant amendment to its Crimes and Penalties Law, decriminalising attempted suicide. This change acknowledges that individuals in crisis require care and support, and aims to encourage earlier help-seeking behavior, providing families with greater confidence to request immediate assistance. According to Dr Hassan Elhais, a lawyer at Amal Al Rashedi Lawyers and Legal Consultants, "Removing the fear of prosecution can encourage people to seek help earlier and give families greater confidence to request urgent assistance."

This improvement in legal framework not only aids in early intervention but also supports the overall effort to prevent suicides.

The amendments also introduce penalties for those whose actions result in someone attempting suicide. If convicted, the sentence spans between three to five years in prison, with the term extended to up to seven years if the suicide results in serious injury or permanent disability. In cases where the actions lead to the victim's death, the sentence is increased to up to seven years in prison.

Furthermore, if the offense targets a minor under the age of 18, the charge escalates to premeditated murder, with the offender facing a minimum prison sentence of 15 years. In the event of the victim's death, the sentence ranges from 15 to 20 years, even if the family waives their right to qisas, a legal right to seek the maximum punishment.

These measures aim to strike a balance between the rights of the victim's heirs and the need for public safety and societal stability, as stated by Wam, the state news agency.