ICFUAE Takes Action to demand the release of prisoners in the UAE
Activists paraded silently today in central London in solidarity with prisoners of conscience in the UAE. Dressed as prisoners, the actors had their mouths shut in a symbolic representation of the lack of freedom of expression in the UAE. The show attracted considerable attention among passersby.
As the end of the year fast approaches, it is easy to forget those who will be spending the holidays away from their families because of the flawed judicial system that detained them for simply expressing their minds. Prisoners like Mohammed Al Roken have gained an international profile due to their arbitrary detention and unfair trials which breach international standards. Many alleged to have been tortured and ill-treated while in custody, a claim that the UAE has consistently refused to investigate.
The lack of freedom of expression and assembly in the UAE have affected hundreds of Emirati and foreign nationals alike. Following reports of British citizens wrongfully convicted and kept for months before being released without charge, human rights organisations have raised the issue with the UK government.
On the 6 and 7 December, Prime Minister Theresa May attended the GCC Summit with the aim of promoting the existing trade relations with the Gulf countries. The move has drawn much criticism from human rights organisations like Amnesty, which has condemned her lack of attention to human rights in the region.
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