Urging UAE Government to Pardon All Prisoners of Conscience in light of Ramadan 2021

12th of April 2021 marks the beginning of Ramadan. The holy month, which traditionally oversees the pardoning of many Emirati prisoners, should undoubtedly include the release of all prisoners of conscience. 

In late April 2020, the UAE government authorised the release of thousands of prisoners in light of the annual Ramadan pardon. Despite such a large number of pardoned detainees, out of a total of 4,000, none were prisoners of conscience. Around 200 political and social dissidents, who were arrested solely on the basis of their endeavours to speak out about human rights and fundamental freedoms, remain behind bars, where they are forced to endure appalling detention conditions serving grossly long sentences.

Prominent human rights defenders such as Ahmed Mansoor, Nasser bin Ghaith and Mohammed al-Roken have all been subjected to unfair trials and mistreatment, including acts of physical and psychological torture. In addition, the UAE holds other political prisoners indefinitely by failing to adhere to official release dates upon sentencing. These prisoners of conscience are likely to endure a sharp deterioration in both physical and mental health, especially amid the ongoing threats of the pandemic.

Immediate action is therefore required considering the rapid spread of Covid-19 in many of the UAE’s poorly sanitised and overcrowded detention facilities. Emirati prisons are also notorious for denying detainees crucial healthcare and medication. With the authorities refusing to act upon improving the poor detention conditions and detainees access to healthcare, prisoners face a much greater risk of fatality. 

ICFUAE Statement:

ICFUAE are highly concerned about the wellbeing and physical health of those imprisoned in the UAE. Amid the spread of Covid-19, detainees are subjected to overcrowded and unsanitary environments, putting them at an increased risk of becoming ill. Security forces’ use of torture and ill-treatment and the frequent denial of medical care also have detrimental effects on the health of those imprisoned. 

We therefore strongly urge the UAE to act in an unbiased manner to incorporate the release of all prisoners of conscience under the annual pardoning for Ramadan this month. Political prisoners and those who remain indefinitely detained should be the primary candidates of those deemed to be released as part of the tradition given the unjust nature of their imprisonment. 

ENDS 

• For further information or comment, please contact ICFUAE at 079 79 666698 or email us at media@icfuae.org.uk