On Emirati Women’s Day, female prisoners of conscience continue to be arbitrarily detained

Today, August 28, the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day under the theme of ‘Women, Icons of Tolerance.’ This takes place amid growing concerns over the fate of female prisoners of conscience Amina al-Abdouli and Mariam al-Baloushi who are detained at UAE’s al-Wathba prison. 

The two female detainees continue to be held in inhumane detention conditions. Previous testimonies smuggled out of al-Wathba prison, accused the prison authorities of severe ill-treatment, including torture, overcrowding, inadequate food and poor hygiene conditions. 

The practice of torture in Emirati prisons has become increasingly common in recent years, with numerous cases documented, which portray a picture of systemetic physical and psychological abuse.