3 sports journalists in Abu Dhabi convicted of slander

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates say three sports journalists have been convicted of slander over comments they made on a television program.

The state-run WAM news agency cited the office of Abu Dhabi’s public prosecutor in a report on Tuesday night about the convictions. It didn’t name those charged.

A statement from prosecutors says the journalists received suspended sentences and that a lawsuit against them seeking 201,000 dirhams ($55,000) in damages would go on. The case involved the three making comments about a contract involving an unnamed company.

WAM reported that the journalists maintain their innocence, saying their comments touched on public opinion and did not include swear words.

While liberal compared to other Mideast countries, the UAE has harsh laws governing expression and conduct on social media.