In a new report entitled “Unfair Trial in the United Arab Emirates Illustrates Total Disregard for International Law”, the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center (EDAC) and the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) provide detailed information on the “UAE84” case.
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, EDAC and 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.
EDAC’s Executive Director Mohammed Al-Zaabi, who is among those accused in absentia in the “UAE84” case, said, “It is well past time to free all those being cruelly tried in this trial. They are being held in violation of their rights to freedom of expression and association, and not for any real crimes. The UAE must demonstrate respect for international law, and the international community must hold it to account and seek justice for the defendants.”
The report notes that during the hearings, the detainees gave moving testimonies depicting their suffering in prison. Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken 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.”
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.”
“Many human rights defenders and activists are caught up in this case in an attempt to keep them in prison for life,” said GCHR’s Executive Director Khalid Ibrahim. He explained by saying, “This includes my dear colleague Ahmed Mansoor, a GCHR Advisory Board member, as well as academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith, in addition to people already tried collectively a decade ago as part of the ‘UAE94’ case, such as human rights lawyers Dr. Mohammed Al-Roken and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansoori.”
Recommendations to the International Community and Human Rights Organisations:
- 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.
- Trial monitoring: International human rights organisations must deploy international observers to monitor trials and ensure transparency and fairness in judicial procedures.
- Providing legal support: Human rights organisations must provide legal support to the detainees and commission independent lawyers to defend them.
- Investigate violations: The United Nations and competent international bodies must investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment to which detainees were subjected.
- 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.
- 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.
This report is being launched on 02 July, the 11th anniversary of the verdict in the “UAE94″ case. Read the full report here.
