UAE group sentenced to 3 years in Yemeni Muslim Brotherhood case

The ICJHR has learned that the trial of the Emiratis, Ahmed Mohamed Al-Mulla, Badr Al-Bahri, Abdullah Al Helou and Faycal Chehi was held on June 13, 2016 and the four human rights activists were condemned to 3 years in prison. 

They were tried with 15 other Yemenis for creating and establishing a branch for "the Muslim Brotherhood" and several state charges, including the collection of donations and funds without prior authorization from the competent authority and join an illegal and res judicata dissolved organization in the UAE. It is worth noting that they have already served 2 years from enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention.

The ICJHR has monitored the situation of three of the activists since their arrest in collaboration with the UN Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances.

The UAE Security Forces arrested Mr. Al-Bahri on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 after searching his house and terrorizing his children. They transferred him to Abu Dhabi for unknown reasons in the early hours of April 23. 

Abdullah Al Helou was also arrested in the similar circumstances on April 22, 2014 by Al-Qusais police station. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Mulla, was arrested on May 1, 2014 by the State security officers in Dubai. He was arrested, handcuffed in front of his wife, children and a relative, and taken to an unknown location. His family did not know the reasons why he was arrested.

In August 22, 2014, Al-Mulla and Al-Helou were transferred to the Al-Wathba Prison, whereas Mr. Al-Bahri’s family was able to visit him in July 2014, probably in Al-Wathba Prison.

Mr. Badr Al-Bahri, Ahmed Al-Mulla and Abdullah Al Helou have been arbitrary detained for several months and their last trial which was expected to start on January 26, 2016, was postponed.