Craig Ballentine Faces Jail Time Over Critical Google Review
- A former dog groomer from Northern Ireland has been arrested in the UAE for posting a negative online review.
- The arrest occurred months after he criticized a Dubai canine salon where he previously worked.
- His detention raises concerns about freedom of expression for expatriates in the UAE.
Craig Ballentine, a former dog groomer from Cookstown, Northern Ireland, is facing imprisonment in Dubai after posting a critical review about his former employer, a canine salon based in the city. The review expressed his frustrations regarding a 'legal nightmare' he faced during his employment, which included issues related to his health. After working for six months at the salon, Ballentine fell ill and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which caused him widespread pain and led to him taking time off work. Months after posting the review, Ballentine was arrested while vacationing in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the UAE's strict laws concerning online criticism. His detention has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of expatriates in the region, especially for those who voice dissatisfaction regarding their employers. This incident draws attention to the broader implications for individuals sharing opinions online in countries with stringent defamation laws.