Seven years since 133 individuals signed petition in UAE

Seven years ago 133 individuals, including human rights activists, academic, consultants, former government officials, writers and other, signed a petition calling for democratic reform in the UAE. The petition, submitted to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, called for free and full election of members of the Federal National Council, and reform of  legislation regulating the work of the Federal National Council.

The Emirati authorities and state security forces targeted the signatories of this petition, and subjected them to numerous human rights violations including torture and ill-treatment. The majority of the signatories were convicted in various 'show trials', including that of the UAE 94. These trials were declared as 'grossly unfair' by international jurists commissions.

Signatories were accused of seeking to undermine the ruling regime, endangering national security, and insulting the president. However, in reality all they were doing was peacefully demanding the fulfillment of their human rights, in accordance with international standards.

On this anniversary, ICFUAE calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders.