In a significant development, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 57 Bangladesh nationals who were previously convicted for their involvement in protests. According to WAM, the official news agency of the UAE, the pardoned individuals had been convicted in trials held last month. Additionally, UAE’s Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi, has halted the deportation process against these individuals, a directive that came directly from the President.
The legal troubles for these Bangladesh nationals arose when they were arrested for calling for protests against the Bangladesh government. They were accused of inciting violence and unlawful assembly. Further charges included rioting, disruption, and property damage, and the Federal Court of Appeal had sentenced them to ten years of imprisonment followed by deportation to Bangladesh upon the completion of their sentences.
- Human Rights Watch criticized the sentencing, calling it “unjust” and denouncing the process as arbitrary and unlawful. The speedy nature of the trial, where 57 individuals were investigated, tried, and sentenced in just two days, also raised concerns about the fairness of the trial (more details).
- The pardoning decision contrasts with the Public Prosecutor’s request for maximum imprisonment (more details).
In his statement following the pardoning, the Attorney General urged the public to respect the laws of the UAE and to express their opinions through lawful means that do not compromise the nation’s interests. The country ranks 160 on the World Press Freedom Index and continues to bring charges against various activists and critics, some of whom have already been convicted in previous trials.
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