Separate direct knowledge from assumptions when giving evidence

A witness should accurately describe what they truly know. Deliberately lying, denying the truth or concealing relevant knowledge in testimony can attract criminal liability in the circumstances defined by law; helping a friend does not justify it.

Criminal mattersUnited Arab EmiratesSources checked:
  1. Before attending, review when and where events occurred and what you personally observed. Do not present someone else’s account, an interpretation or an uncertain memory as direct observation; clearly identify what you do not know or cannot reliably recall.

  2. Listen to the complete question and request clarification or an interpreter where needed. Any statement or record presented for confirmation should reflect what you actually said. Report a material recording error through the official procedure rather than leaving a known inaccuracy unaddressed.

  3. Take threats, pressure or promised benefits intended to change your testimony seriously and preserve evidence of them. A later correction does not always provide immunity; statutory conditions and the stage of proceedings matter, so no automatic exemption should be assumed.

A practical next step

Prepare a chronology of your observations, state the limits of your knowledge clearly, and officially report pressure to alter the truth.

Official sources

Adapted from a photo post shared on Dr. Bahrami’s Instagram and checked against official sources. This page provides the updated guidance.

Original Instagram post
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