Women arrested for taking photos in gym

Illustrative purposes only [Getty Images].

Sharjah Police arrested two female gym staff members in Khor Fakkan who are alleged to have taken photos of women using the facitlities at the fitness centre and beauty salon where they worked.

A senior police official said that the two women were identified as S.B.A., 20, an Indian national, and M.Sh.H., 45, an Arab national, according to a report in Gulf News.

"The women were arrested because they were invading the privacy of customers and taking pictures without their consent," said Colonel Saif Al Zari, director general of the Eastern Region, Sharjah Police.

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An Emirati man complained to police, claiming that the Indian suspect, who was also a staff member at the fitness centre, was taking pictures of his relative while she was exercising.

"Women visiting such centres have to take caution and be vigilant towards staff members. Due to the difference in their nationalities and cultures, women should be careful when others around them use mobile phones because it can offend them," said Colonel Al Zari.

According to Sharjah Municipality, it is prohibited for anybody to take pictures or video recordings in gyms and beauty centres since it is an invasion of privacy.