VIDEO: Woman Who Photographed Anahit Simonian Not Allowed to Leave UAE, Required to Pay $136,000

Singer and designer Anahit Simonian traveled to Dubai with her son after the death of renowned Armenian artist, singer, and songwriter Hayko, hoping to provide a change of environment for her child during this difficult time.

Upon arriving at the hotel, while the singer and her son waited in the lobby, another woman took a photograph of them, which ignited a wave of criticism on Armenian social media, with a barrage of accusations and curses directed at Simonian for taking a trip just days after her husband's passing, as reported by Hraparak.

Hotel security identified the individual who took the photograph, as it is strictly prohibited in the United Arab Emirates to photograph someone without their consent.

A criminal case was opened regarding the incident, leading to the potential sentencing of our compatriot to six months in detention, along with a requirement to pay $136,000. Realizing the consequences of her actions, the photographer recorded a video message in which she publicly apologized to Anahit Simonian and her family members. Reportedly, Simonian intends to forgive the woman.