A group of more than a dozen women gave residents of Dubai an eyeful when they posed naked on a balcony in a stunt that went viral – and also landed them in hot water with local authorities.
The women were arrested on charges of public debauchery in the United Arab Emirates, where violations of the public decency law – including nudity and other “lewd behavior” – carry penalties of up to six months in the slammer, as well as hefty fines.
Videos and images of the women, lined up in their birthday suits in Dubai’s upscale Marina neighborhood, made waves on social media this weekend – shocking the federation of seven Arab sheikhdoms.
Much tamer behavior, such as kissing in public or drinking alcohol without a license, has landed people behind bars.
State-linked newspaper The National reported that the women’s in-the-buff display appeared to be a “publicity stunt,” without elaborating.
Police said the women arrested over the “indecent” video have been referred to the public prosecution.
“Such unacceptable behaviors do not reflect the values and ethics of Emirati society,” police said in a statement.
While liberal compared to its Middle Eastern neighbors, the UAE has strict rules governing expression based on Islamic law, or Shariah.
