Mohamed al-Mansoori should be released
Today, 16th July 2023, it will be ten years since Mohamed Al-Mansoori, a respected human rights lawyer, was arrested by UAE security forces to ten years in jails following a mass trial, known as UAE94.
Al-Mansouri, the former head of the UAE Jurists Association, was arrested on 16 July 2012 after signing a petition calling for democratic reforms. He was subsequently tried alongside 93 other lawyers, activists and academics known collectively as the UAE 94.
The UN special procedures condemned the trial as grossly unfair.
I will be closely watching the expected release of #UAE HRD Mohamed al-Mansoori who is due to end a long-term prison sentence on 16 July related to his call for peaceful democratic reforms.@UAEUNGENEVA @jongambrellAP
— Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs (@MaryLawlorhrds) July 14, 2023
The main evidence used against Al-Mansouri was a “confession” obtained through torture. Consequently, he was sentenced to 11 years and three months for “plotting to overthrow the government”.
As his 10-year-sentence is due to end, we call on the UAE authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mohamed Al-Mansoori on his scheduled release date without delay under flimsy pretexts
