Britain and US urged to act as Dubai arrests dissident Ahmed Mansoor in midnight raid

United Arab Emirates security officials arrested prominent human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor in a Sunday night raid on his family home in Dubai. According to Amnesty International, Mansoor was detained by 12 officers after they stormed and searched his apartment at midnight, confiscating mobile phones and laptops before taking him to an unknown location at 3.15am.

So far, neither Britain and the United States has commented on or condemned Mansoor's detention. Both countries have been accused of refraining from criticising the UAE's crackdown on dissent, prioritising trade and security ties over any concerns over repression.

"Britain is one of the biggest supporters of repressive regimes in the region", said Mansoor, in a conversation several months ago focused on British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to Bahrain. "And unless it changes its policy, it will be remembered as being complicit in the crushing of the aspirations of people in the Gulf."

With Mansoor back in prison, activists say Western governments need to end their silence and call for his immediate and unconditional release.

*Dubai's Media Office did not respond to requests for comment.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-us-urged-act-dubai-arrests-dissident-ah...