Life Jail Sentence for 43 In UAE for "Terror" Offences

On July 11, 2024, a court in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) handed down life sentences to 43 activists after finding them guilty of terror-related offences. According to state media, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal convicted the defendants of "creating a terrorist organisation".

The mass trial has been severely criticized by United Nations experts and human rights groups. Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that more than 80 human rights defenders and political dissidents, known as the "UAE 84", were put on trial. 

The UAE's prosecutor general had referred the defendants to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal in January 2024, accusing them of "establishing another clandestine organisation for the purpose of committing acts of violence and terrorism on UAE soil" known as the "Justice and Dignity Committee". Most of the defendants were reportedly members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood and its local affiliate, the al-Islah party.

In addition to the 43 life sentences, 10 other defendants were jailed for 10 to 15 years on charges of "co-operating with al-Islah" and money laundering. One defendant was acquitted, and 24 cases were ruled inadmissible.

Many of the defendants had already completed their sentences from the earlier "UAE 94" trial in 2013, where they were jailed for alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government. However, the UAE authorities claimed the latest charges were "materially distinct" from those brought in 2013, as they included accusations of financing a "terrorist organisation".

Amnesty International criticized the lack of transparency in the trial, stating that the indictment, charges, defence lawyers, and names of defendants were "kept secret by the government" and only known through "leaks". HRW identified three of those sentenced to life in prison as Nasser bin Ghaith, Abdulsalam Darwish al-Marzouqi, and Sultan Bin Kayed al-Qasimi, with prominent activist Ahmed Mansoor also among the defendants.

Reacting to the sentencings, human rights groups called on the UAE to "urgently revoke this unlawful verdict" and release those sentenced. The UAE, known for its wealth and technological advancements, remains restrictive on political activity, with no official opposition and a ban on political parties.