A Detailed Report on the “UAE84” Case

Introduction

In December 2023, while hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) brought charges against 84 defendants in Case no. 87/2023, most of whom are prominent activists and dissidents, on charges of establishing and managing a clandestine, allegedly terrorist organisation known as the Justice and Dignity Committee. This case was not just an incidental legal case, but rather had a major impact on the international human rights community, as it was a shock to everyone, especially in view of the increasing demands for the release of detainees and granting more freedoms to the civil society, in line with the country’s international obligations and the requirements of the climate conference hosted by the UAE.

Working in coalitions with other human rights groups prior to the new case announced in December 2023, the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center (EDAC) and the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) had already been focused on advocacy to obtain the release of human rights defenders detained in the UAE, including dozens of prisoners being held past the end of their sentences. The two groups had hoped that the COP28 and other events in the UAE would provide an opportunity for their freedom. Instead, Case no 87/2023 began in a clear attempt to keep human rights defenders and activists in prison in a country that heavily penalises any kind of dissent. The Case is being tried based on the 2004 Federal Law on Combating Terrorist Offences, which imposes harsher penalties, such as life imprisonment and even the death penalty. EDAC and GCHR have compiled information on the trial, which has been marked by a total disregard for international legal standards, in this report ahead of a verdict in the case that is expected on 10 July 2024.

Background

This case has its roots in the formation of an independent advocacy group in 2010, aiming to promote human rights in the UAE. This group included prominent activists such as Ahmed Mansoor, a Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) Advisory Board member, and academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith, in addition to people tried collectively as part of the “UAE94” case, such as Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansoori. In 2013, the UAE authorities prosecuted supporters of reform and members of the Reform and Social Guidance Association (Al-Islah Society) on charges of “establishing a clandestine organisation aimed at overthrowing the regime”, based on the Federal Penal Code. The defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7 to 15 years. Despite the fact that many of the defendants in the “UAE94” case have completed their prison sentences, some dating back to 2022, the UAE authorities have refused to release them on the grounds that they pose a “terrorist threat.”

In order to maintain their ostensibly lawful detention, new charges were brought against them in Case no. 87/2023, known in the media as “UAE84”, referring to the number of defendants in the case. The charges are related to forming the Justice and Dignity Committee, which is one of the Al-Islah committees that aims to enhance awareness of political and civil rights in the country, and was responsible for drafting the Reform Petition, which was issued on 03 March 2011.

The new charges in the “UAE84” case are based on a decree by Federal Law no. 1 of 2004 on Combating Terrorist Offences, specifically Article 3, which states, “Whoever establishes, sets up, organises or runs a society, body, organisation, centre, group or gang, or leads or commands the same intending to commit any of the terrorism acts provided in this law, shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life.”

The State Security Apparatus Law no. 2 of 2003 was also invoked, which allows for individuals to be detained for reasons related to what is referred to as “national security” without trial for long periods. Article 27 of this law stipulates: “The Chief [head of the Security Apparatus] may order the detention of any person if he has reason to believe that this person is participating in any activity mentioned in Article 14. The detention period may not exceed sixty days. After the end of the detention period referred to in the previous paragraph, the Chief may decide to extend the detention for another thirty days, and if this period expires, the matter must be referred to the Public Prosecution.”

In May 2023, the UAE authorities transferred all detainees in this case from Al-Razeen Desert Prison to secret prisons, and prevented them from communicating with their families until 30 November of the same year. The authorities allowed some of the detainees to communicate with their families to inform them that they were facing a new case. It is noteworthy that the presiding judge in this case is Hisham Al-Sarayrah, a foreign judge, and the trial is being held in the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal.

The “UAE94” case began in 2011 after the submission of the aforementioned Reform Petition, which demanded limited political reforms. The petition was signed by a group of activists and academics who called for democratic changes, including the right to vote. The Emirati authorities responded to these calls with repression, and considered the Al-Islah Society a clandestine organisation aiming to overthrow the regime. The defendants were tried in accordance with the Federal Penal Code, and the trial ended in July 2013, with the conviction of 69 people.

The “UAE84” case constitutes a retrial of the defendants in the “UAE94” case on new charges related to establishing the Justice and Dignity Committee, which the authorities considered a terrorist organisation. These measures allowed the indictment to include prominent human rights figures such as Ahmed Mansoor and Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith, who were identified in the new case as supporters and advocates of the Justice and Dignity Committee. This development reflects the authorities’ strategy to suppress dissent on a wide scale, based on the 2004 Federal Law on Combating Terrorist Offences, in order to impose harsher penalties, such as life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Trial and Legal Breaches

The case was discussed over ten hearings. The first hearing began on 07 December 2023, when the court charged the defendants with establishing and supporting the Committee for Justice and Dignity. During that hearing, the defendants denied the charge and said that they had been transferred to solitary confinement since May 2023, and were denied communication with the outside world in order to coerce them into confessing to “establishing a terrorist organisation.”

The second hearing was held on 14 December 2023, in secret, and with complete absence of local media. Certain family members of the defendants in the case were able to be present for the hearing, but they were placed in a separate room equipped with a television screen to watch the proceedings. They were unable to hear what was happening, because the Public Prosecution put the transmission on mute throughout the hearing, and kept only the video. The hearing was dedicated to listening to the prosecution witnesses, who were three people employed by the State Security Apparatus. They wore black masks so that they would not be identified.

The third hearing was held on 21 December 2023. The court heard from a witness who was identified as a media and mass communication specialist. His testimony focused on accusing what he described as the “Justice and Dignity Party” of inciting public opinion in a “terrorist” manner and spreading terrorist ideas, via social media and the London-based Al-Hiwar channel. It was noted that the judge repeatedly interrupted the witness to correct his testimony, as though he was dictating to him what to say. This caused the lawyers to object, due to the obvious interference by the judge, in addition to him assisting the witness in answering the lawyers’ questions. Such interference was not limited to the judge alone, as one of the police officers approached the witness and handed him a paper to use in answering the lawyers’ questions, which enraged the lawyers and led to tension which escalated until the judge decided to adjourn the session. The fourth session was held on 07 February 2024, during which the defendants’ families were brought into the courtroom. The prosecution attempted to refute the statement by the defence suggesting that a verdict in the case had already been reached.

The fifth hearing was held on 15 February 2024. The prosecution maintained that this case was separate from the previous one, and called for the most severe punishment – the death penalty, in accordance with Article 3 of Law No. 1 of 2004. The sixth hearing was held on 07 March 2024, and attendance was limited to a small number of people related to the defendants. The detainees presented strong pleas, and repeatedly spoke about solitary confinement and the deterioration of their health conditions. The judge requested a report from the prosecution on the reasons for holding the defendants in solitary confinement, but he did not order them to be removed from solitary. The seventh hearing was held on 14 March 2024, during which the court listened to the defence lawyer. The detainees spoke again about their solitary confinement and their deteriorating health.

The ninth hearing, which was held on 25 April 2024, began at approximately 10:30 and ended at about 14:30. Some of the defendants’ family members were inside the courtroom. The detainees showed signs of weakness after Ramadan, such as Sheikh Khaled Al-Shaiba Al-Nuaimi, who appeared very frail. Ahmed Ghaith Al-Suwaidi asserted that the lawyer had not met him until the date of this hearing.

The tenth hearing, which was held on 09 May 2024, was brief when compared to the previous hearings, as it did not exceed two hours. At the beginning, a group of lawyers made their pleas, then the floor was opened for a few detainees who were selected by the judge to plead for themselves, such as Sheikh Sultan bin Kayed, Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken, Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansoori, Abdul Salam Darwish, Ahmed Mansoor, and Abdul Rahim Al-Zarouni. The detainees’ pleas were strong and remarkable, and covered various aspects, including refuting witness testimonies, refuting the prosecution’s allegations, and exposing the legal loopholes in the case. The judgment has been reserved for a hearing on 10 July 2024.

Conditions of the Detainees and Their Testimonies

During the hearings, the detainees gave moving testimonies depicting their suffering in prison. Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken, one of the prominent detainees, stated during one of the hearings: “We cannot be retried on the same charges. This is a blatant miscarriage of justice.” Human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor stated that he was subjected to torture and psychological pressure to coerce him into confessing to charges he did not commit. He said: “We were kept in black sites for months without any contact with the outside world. This cannot be fair.”

The detainees’ conditions at the courtroom were rather miserable, as they wore prison uniforms with short sleeves and red cuffs, which did not protect them from the bitter cold. They were also shackled the entire time, and were surrounded by members of the special forces in black uniforms and face masks, which prevented the family members from seeing the detainees or communicating with them even from afar.

During one of the hearings, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Siddiq said, “The prosecutor has demanded our execution. One is usually granted a wish before he is executed. We plead for the opportunity to review the case files and defend ourselves before any death sentence is passed.” Young detainee Khalifa Al-Nuaimi voiced grievances regarding the detainees’ suffering in illegal secret detention facilities. However, the judge promptly responded by saying: “If they are operated by the State, then they are lawful.” Another detainee requested to see an ophthalmologist to undergo a necessary procedure, however, the prison administration neglected his request for months.

The detainees showed signs of fatigue and exhaustion during the hearing’s proceedings, and some of them rested their heads on the chair in front of them the entire time. One of the detainees said, “We have been in solitary confinement for nine months, and we hope to be released at the beginning of Ramadan.”

Possible Penalties

The court charged approximately half of the defendants with establishing a terrorist organisation, while the other half was charged with supporting and financing a terrorist organisation, based on Article 3 and Article 12 of the 2004 Law on Combating Terrorist Offences. According to these two articles, the defendants face several possible penalties depending on the charge against them. This law stipulates that the penalty for establishing a terrorist organisation is death or life imprisonment, while the penalty for financing a terrorist organisation is either life imprisonment or prison sentences of certain durations.

Legal Breaches

1. Solitary confinement and ill-treatment: Many defendants were subjected to solitary confinement for long periods of up to 10 months, and were prevented from communicating with their families for periods ranging from 10 months to a year. Solitary confinement involved ill-treatment including physical assault, denial of access to health care, music torture, and being held in inhumane conditions.
2. Restricted access to information and legal support: The UAE authorities prevented lawyers from freely accessing case files, and they could only view the documents in a room under security supervision, without allowing them to make copies. The lawyers were also prevented from sharing details of the case with the detainees’ families.
3. The hearings were not public: Although the UAE authorities claimed that the trial was public, they severely restricted family members’ access to the courtroom, and forced them to watch the hearings via a muted live transmission in a separate room, without being able to hear what was going on at the hearing.
4. Torture and forced confessions: Some defendants reported that they gave confessions under duress and psychological exhaustion, following long periods of enduring loud music. One of the defendants reported that he was kept naked for more than a week while in solitary confinement. Others reported that they did not receive their prescribed medications and necessary health care.
5. Violation of the principle of double jeopardy: The defendants are accused of the same charges that they faced in the “UAE94” trial back in 2013, which constitutes a violation of the principle of preventing double jeopardy, which prevents an accused person from being tried twice for the same charges after having been handed down a final ruling.

Recommendations to the International Community and Human Rights Organisations

1. International pressure: The international community must put pressure on the UAE authorities to immediately release all detainees in the “UAE84” case and bring an end to solitary confinement and ill-treatment.
2. Trial monitoring: International human rights organisations must deploy international observers to monitor trials and ensure transparency and fairness in judicial procedures.
3. Providing legal support: Human rights organisations must provide legal support to the detainees and commission independent lawyers to defend them.
4. Investigate violations: The United Nations and competent international bodies must investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment to which detainees were subjected.
5. Promoting global awareness: International human rights organisations must raise awareness about this case and mobilise the media to cover the events and violations that take place in the UAE.
6. Demand legal reforms: The UAE must be pressured to implement legal reforms that respect human rights and ensure that such violations do not recur in the future.

Conclusion

After ten hearings, marked by powerful arguments and moving testimonies from the detainees, the “UAE84” case demonstrated the extent of the legal complexities and challenges faced by human rights defenders in the UAE. The hearings underscored the severe nature of the charges and the controversial judicial practices, such as solitary confinement and the harsh treatment of the detainees. In view of the proceedings during those hearings, it is evident that the underlying motive is indeed to extend the detention period of these human rights activists under new legal pretexts. This case demonstrates the urgent need for legal reforms and to introduce human rights safeguards in the UAE.  The date of the trial’s verdict on 10 July 2024 provides an opportunity for the international community to monitor the situation, ensure justice, and end the ongoing violations against the detainees.

Annex: Names of the Defendants Detained in the “UAE84” Case

The Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center (EDAC) was able to confirm the names of 58 detainees, while work is underway to verify the remaining detainees. Other defendants are abroad and not in prison. The names that have been confirmed of the detainees are as follows:

1. Ahmed Saif Khalaf Saleh Al-Matari, born in 1965, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Fujairah. He worked as the acting director of the Desertification Control Department at the Ministry of Environment and Water, and holds an MA degree in engineering and human resource management. Ahmed Al-Matari was arrested on 30 July 2012 due to his signing of the Reform Petition and belonging to the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
2. Ahmed Saqr Mohammed Obaid Al-Suwaidi, born in 1965, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ajman. He held several important positions, including the vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Dubai Award for the Holy Qur’an, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Manarat for Educational Consultations. He was arrested on 30 July 2012 due to his support for reform and having signed the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
3. Ahmed Rashid Ibrahim Al-Tabour Al-Nuaimi is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. He served as Director of the Al-Islah Society. He was arrested on 18 May 2012 for signing the Reform Petition that called for legislative reforms. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
4. Ahmed Mansoor Ali Abdullah Al-Abd Al-Shehhi is an Emirati born in 1969. He is an engineer and a human rights activist. He was arrested on 20 March 2017 due to his human rights activism and for being vocal in criticising human rights violations in the UAE via social media. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine amounting to one million UAE dirhams. Ahmed Mansoor was subjected to grave violations during his detention, including solitary confinement and being prevented from accessing necessary health care, which led to a significant deterioration of his health condition.
5. Ahmed Yousef Abdullah Bouabtaba Al-Zaabi, born in 1965, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He served as a judge in Abu Dhabi and director of the Judicial Inspection Department. He holds a PhD in Islamic Sharia. He was arrested on 26 March 2012 for demanding that the law be observed during the arrest of activist Ahmed Ghaith Al-Suwaidi. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
6. Ahmed Ghaith Ahmad Ghaith Al-Suwaidi, born in 1960, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as Chief Budget Controller at the Ministry of Finance, and he is also an educational and economic expert. He was arrested on 26 March 2012 after his Emirati citizenship was revoked in 2011 due to his signing of the Reform petition and belonging to the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
7. Ibrahim Ismail Ibrahim Al-Yassi, born in 1961, is an Emirati national from the Emirate of Ajman. He held many notable positions, including Director of the Planning Department in the Ajman Government and Director of the Al-Hiwar “Dialogue” Center for Studies and Research in Dubai. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 due to his participation in the Reform petition, which called for comprehensive reforms. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
8. Ibrahim Hassan Ali Hassan Al-Marzooqi, born in 1973, is an Emirati national from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as a high-school teacher at the Abu Dhabi Education Council, and as Programme Director at the Abu Dhabi Youth Educational Foundation. He was arrested on 26 March 2012 for signing the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
9. Khaled Mohammed Abdullah Al-Shaiba Al-Nuaimi, born in 1951, is an Emirati national, from the Emirate of Sharjah. He holds a BA degree in economics and political science, and worked as director of the Social Guidance Association. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 due to his activism on social media and his calls for reform. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
10. Hassan Munif Abdullah Al-Jabri, born in 1960, is an Emirati national from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as deputy director of the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, and suffered from diabetes before his arrest. He was arrested on 09 April 2012 after his UAE citizenship was revoked in December 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
11. Abdul-Salam Mohammed Darwish Al-Marzooqi, born in 1970, is an Emirati national, from the Emirate of Sharjah. He worked as Chief of the Family Counselling Department in the Courts of Dubai and General Supervisor of Bedaya “Beginning” TV channel. He was arrested on 24 July 2012 due to his social reform activity. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
12. Jum’a Saeed Jum’a bin Darwish Al-Falasi, born in 1964, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He holds an MA degree in quality management, and worked at DP World (Dubai Ports International) as a terminal manager in Jebel Ali. He was arrested on 19 July 2012 after being physically assaulted on the streets of Dubai. He was later arrested from his home by members of the UAE State Security Apparatus. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
13. Hussein Ali Abdullah Al-Najjar Al-Hammadi, born in 1963, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ajman. He worked as a physics teacher and instructor at the Ministry of Education and Youth, and served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Experts’ Foundation for Educational and Administrative Consultations and General Director of the Manarat Foundation for Educational Consultations. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 while giving a lecture in the Fujairah Municipality. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
14. Hussein Munif Abdullah Al-Jabri, born in 1959, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was the head of the Training and Development Department in the Abu Dhabi Municipality Department and an educational expert. He was arrested on 09 April 2012 as part of a group of seven citizens whose citizenships were revoked in 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
15. Hassan Mohammed Hassan Ahmed Al-Hammadi, born in 1959, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He worked as Deputy Director of the Sharjah Education Office and served as Head of the Educational Administration and Planning Department from 1982 until 2003. He was arrested on 30 July 2012 for signing the Reform Petition, which called for legislative reforms. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
16. Khalaf Al-Romaithi is an Emirati and Turkish citizen who faced forcible extradition from Jordan to the UAE in May 2023. Al-Romaithi was arrested upon arrival to Queen Alia International Airport on 07 May 2023, and was extradited to the UAE on 12 May 2023, where he faces a 15-year prison sentence which was issued in absentia in 2013 as part of the “UAE94” case.
17. Mohammed Abdul-Razzaq Al-Siddiq Al-Obaidli, born in 1964, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He holds an MA degree in Sharia and used to be a teacher in the Fundamentals of Religion Department at the University of Sharjah. He was arrested on 09 April 2012 after his Emirati citizenship was revoked on 04 December 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
18. Hamad Hassan Ali Raqit Al-Ali, born in 1951, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He obtained a BA in History from Al-Azhar University in 1975, and served as Director of the Endowment Department at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments from 1981 to 2002, and worked as Chief of the Planning Department at the Ministry of Education. He was arrested on 25 July 2012 on account of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
19. Rashid Khalfan Obaid bin Sabt Al-Ali, born in 1970, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. He served as deputy director of the Umm Al Quwain Educational District and is an expert accountant. He was arrested on 28 August 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
20. Rashid Omran Ali Obaid Al-Shamsi, born in 1977, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He was a media personality and worked as a journalist. He was arrested on 16 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
21. Khalifa Hilal Khalifa Hilal Saeed Al-Nuaimi, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He worked as a human rights activist and broadcaster in a TV channel. He was arrested on 16 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
22. Khaled Mohammed Yousef Salem Rashid Al-Yamahi, born in 1977, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Fujairah. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MBA from the University of Wollongong, Australia. He worked as a sales manager in a telecommunications organisation. He was arrested on 30 July 2012 due to his activism on Twitter and his support for the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
23. Sultan bin Kayed Al-Qasimi, born March 23, 1958, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in Dubai. He holds a PhD in educational planning policies from Britain, and held several notable positions, including Director of the Curricula and Textbooks Department at the Ministry of Education from 1981 to 1987, and President of Al-Ittihad University. He was arrested on 20 April 2012 on account of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
24. Saif Mohammed Saif Mohammed Al-Eter Al-Dhanhani, born in 1961, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Fujairah. He worked as Assistant Director of the Office of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and was a trainer in charitable and voluntary work. He was arrested on 30 July 2012 for signing a petition that called for reform. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
25. Salem Abdullah Rashid Sahoo, born in 1954, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He served as Secretary General of the Sharjah Oil Council, and was the first Emirati petroleum engineer to graduate from the U.S. in 1976. He was arrested on 30 April 2012 on account of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
26. Saeed Nasser Saeed Othman Al-Wahidi, born in 1964, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was the Head of the Environmental Awareness and Training Department at the Emirates Heritage Club, an educator, and a trainer. He was arrested on 25 July 2012 for signing the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
27. Salem Ali Suleiman Hamdoun Al-Shehhi, born in 1980, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. He worked as a jurist, human rights activist, and defence lawyer. He was arrested on 17 July 2012 on account of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
28. Tariq Ibrahim Abdul Rahim Al-Qasim, born in 1964, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He worked as Director of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Department at Public Prosecution in Dubai. He was arrested on 19 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence, but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
29. Saif Mohammed Ali Al-Ajla Al-Ali, born in 1958, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He was General Director of the Sharjah Charity House and the Marriage Fund, and President of the Teachers’ Association. He was arrested on 24 July 2012 for signing the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
30. Shaheen Abdullah Mal-Allah Al Hosani, born in 1962, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He worked as an information and library consultant, and founded ​​the first electronic library in the UAE. He was arrested on 26 March 2012 after his citizenship was revoked. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
31. Tariq Hassan Abdullah Al-Qattan Al-Harmoudi, born in 1971, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. He was director of the quality department at a first aid centre. He was arrested on 25 July 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
32. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al-Dhafiri, born in 1960, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. He served as a high-school principal for 13 years, a Friday preacher, a member of the Board of Trustees and General Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Foundation for the Holy Qur’an and its Sciences. He was arrested on 29 April 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in the “UAE 94” case, and 4 years and 3 months in the “Egyptian Cell” case. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
33. Abdullah Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Helu is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He was arrested in 2014 due to his participation in charitable activities, and was charged with operating within the Charitable Work Committee of the Al-Islah Society without compelling evidence. He was sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment, followed. Despite that fact that he had served his sentence on 22 April 2017, he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
34. Abdul-Rahim Abdullah Abdul-Karim Naqi Al-Bastaki, born in 1962, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. He served as the chief of the planning department in the Ras Al Khaimah Educational District and the president of the Al-Rahma “Mercy” Charitable Society. He was arrested on 12 October 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
35. Abdul-Rahim Mohammed Abdul-Rahman Al-Zar’ouni, born in 1969, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. He was the CEO of Hayatuna “Our Life” Channel and head of the payroll department at Wall Street Exchange Company. He was arrested on 25 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
36. Abdullah Nasib Karama Al-Jabri, born in 1973, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as an accountant at the Ministry of Education. He was arrested on 27 August 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
37. Abdul Rahman Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hadidi Al-Ali, born in 1960, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He worked as a teacher of the Holy Qur’an and head of the Youth Welfare and Student Activities Department at the UAE University. He was arrested on 15 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
38. Abdullah Abdul-Qadir Ahmed Al-Hajri, born in 1983, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He worked as an employee at the Roads and Transport Authority and a volunteer in the Federal National Council Elections Committee and the Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature. He was also a youth coach at Al-Wasl Sports Club, and in charge of the Al-Fursan “The Knights” Scout Troop under the Emirates Scouts Association. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison. His sentence ended on 16 July 2019, but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
39. Ali Saeed Mohammed Hassan Al-Kindi, born in 1976, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah, Kalba city. He served as a judge in the State Council, and was a member of the Association of Jurists, and an advisor at the Ministry of Justice. He was arrested on 10 September 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
40. Ali Salem Mohammed Al-Ghawas Al-Zaabi, born in 1957, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was arrested on 30 August 2012 for signing the Reform Petition issued on 03 March. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
41. Ali Abdullah Fath Ali Al-Khaja, born in 1965, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and a businessman. He was arrested on 28 August 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
42. Abdulaziz Ali Saeed Hareb Al-Muhairi, born in 1968, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai. He worked as a story writer and authored satirical literature. He was also an employee at the Dubai Land Department. He was arrested on 27 August 2012 because of signing the Reform Petition. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
43. Issa Ma’adhad Abdullah Al-Sari Al-Muhairi, born in 1962, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He previously served as Director of the Public Education Department at the Ministry of Education and President of the Emirates Teachers Association. He was arrested on 17 July 2012 as part of the authorities’ crackdown on reform advocates. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
44. Imran Ali Hassan Al-Ridwan Al-Harithi, born in 1983, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He worked as a senior Sharia auditor at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and holds an MA degree in banking and finance. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison. His sentence ended on 16 July 2019, but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
45. Issa Khalifa Ahmed Saif Al-Suwaidi, born in 1966, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He served as the Director of the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone Administration. He was arrested on 19 July 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
46. Ali Abdullah Al-Mana’i is an Emirati from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as an agricultural expert at the Ministry of Environment. He was arrested on 25 July 2012. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
47. Ali Hussein Ahmed Ali Al-Hammadi, born on 21 December 1961, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Sharjah. He holds a PhD in management, and is the founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Creative Thinking and the One Minute Center, and director of training at the Institute of Administrative Development in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He was arrested on 09 April 2012 as part of a group that came to be known as the “seven citizens” whose citizenships were revoked in December 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
48. Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Dhiyab Al-Abdouli, an Emirati national, was a judge and head of the criminal division at the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal. He was born in an unspecified year and was arrested on 11 October 2012 for his contribution to a petition demanding the right to vote and calling for legislative power to be conferred upon the Parliament. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
49. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Al-Roken, an Emirati born in 1962, worked as a lawyer and university law professor. He was awarded the Al-Karama Dignity Prize for Human Rights in 2012 and the Ludovic Trarieux Prize for Human Rights in 2017. He was arrested on 17 July 2012 as part of the authorities’ crackdown on reform advocates. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. Although his sentence ended on 17 July 2022, he remains in detention to date, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
50. Najeeb Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed Amiri, an Emirati national, is a Sharia scholar, Friday preacher, media personality, and poet. He was born in an unspecified year and was arrested on 30 July 2012 due to his activity in the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. Najeeb suffers from deteriorating health due to ill-treatment and torture during detention.
51. Nasser Ahmed bin Ghaith Al-Marri, an Emirati national, is an academic, economist and lecturer at Sorbonne University. He was arrested on 19 August 2015 on account of his tweets that criticized human rights violations in the UAE. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Nasser was subjected to torture and ill-treatment during his detention, which led to a significant deterioration of his health.
52. Musbih Jum’a Darwish Kaddas Al-Romaithi, born in 1968, is an Emirati national from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He worked as a department manager at the Financial and Legal Affairs Department at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. He was arrested on 24 July 2012 because of his support for the Reform Petition issued on 03 March. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He was subjected to numerous violations during his detention, including torture and ill-treatment.
53. Dr. Mohammed Ali Saleh Al-Mansoor Al-Mansoori, born in 1957, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Al-Dhait Al-Janoubi region. He obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Glasgow in 2002, and is related to the ruling family. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the Office of the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, and as the Sharia and Legal Advisor to the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 because of his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
54. Mahmoud Hassan Mahmoud Ahmed Al-Hosani, born in 1980, is an Emirati residing in the Emirate of Sharjah. He served as the official spokesman and public relations officer at the Sharjah Transport Authority, and a public relations trainer. He was arrested on 16 July 2012 due to his support for the Reform Petition issued on 03 March. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison. His sentence ended on 16 July 2019, but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
55. Mansour Hassan Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmadi, born in 1985, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai, Mirdif region. He worked for the Roads and Transport Authority of the Dubai Government, served as Vice President of the Emirates Students Union, and was a member of the Youth for Jerusalem organisation. He was arrested on 12 October 2012 due to his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society, in addition to his student and electronic activism in defending detainees such as the group of “UAE5” and the seven persons whose citizenships were revoked. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison. His sentence ended on 12 October 2019, and he was released on 12 April 2021 before being arrested again on 05 June 2023.
56. Fouad Mohammed Abdullah Hassan Al-Hammadi, born in 1963, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Ajman. He worked as head of the Training and Career Development Department at the Ministry of Education and served also as an educational mentor. He was arrested on 31 July 2012 due to his membership in the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and was supposed to be released on 31 July 2022. However, he remains arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his sentence. He suffers from significant health deterioration as a result of difficult detention conditions as well as the torture and ill-treatment to which he was subjected.
57. Fahd Abdul-Qadir Ahmed Ali Al-Hajri, born in 1974, is an Emirati from the Emirate of Dubai, Nad Al-Hamar area. He holds an MBA from a Canadian University, and was Director of the Internal Control Department at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Work in Dubai. He was arrested on 02 March 2013 due to his affiliation with the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison. His sentence ended on 02 March 2020, but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.
58. Hadef Rashid Abdullah Nasser Al-Owais, born in 1958, is an Emirati residing in the Emirate of Sharjah, Al-Darari area. He held the position of Head of the Law Department at the College of Sharia at the UAE University, and was a member of the International Court of Arbitration. He obtained an MA degree in Law from Harvard University in 1985 and a PhD in Law from the United Kingdom. He was arrested on 11 September 2012 due to signing Reform Petition issued on 03 March, and on account of his membership in the Al-Islah Society. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ probation. He has served his sentence but he remains detained, and is therefore being arbitrarily detained beyond the completion of his prison sentence.