DOHA. Mar 7: Qatar's Ministry of Interior arrested an Arab national accused of posting content on social media that allegedly insulted the State of Qatar and its institutions, while attempting to incite discord and undermine public security.

In a press statement, the ministry said the arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations as part of ongoing efforts to counter activities that may harm state institutions or exploit digital platforms to spread rumours and provoke unrest.

Authorities said the individual had published a series of tweets through one of his social media accounts within suspicious groups.

According to the statement, the posts included direct insults directed at the Qatari state and its institutions, attempts to undermine the role of the Qatari Armed Forces and their efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and territory, as well as content aimed at stirring public opinion and questioning the state’s management of the current crisis.

The ministry added that the posts also contained statements that defamed several Gulf countries.

Officials said the actions constitute violations of applicable laws and regulations in Qatar. The accused has been referred to the competent authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures.

The Interior Ministry stressed that it will continue to take firm legal action against anyone who uses social media platforms to spread misleading information, rumours or content that could incite public unrest, undermine national security or harm state institutions and their symbols.