On Women's Day, UAE Must Release Maryam al-Balushi and Amina al-Abdouli 

Today, March 8th, marks the International Women's Day. The day signifies progressions made in regards to gender equality and emancipation from oppressive patriarchal structures which historically governed societies globally.

Whilst this day symbolises empowerment for many women around the world, women in the UAE remain oppressed under a political framework firmly built upon unequal gendered values.

The case of indefinite detention for Maryam al-Balushi and Amina al-Abdouli evidence the unjust treatment of women.

In November 2020, prisoners of conscience Maryam al-Balushi and Amina al-Abdouli were due to be released from prison, after serving their five-year sentences in Al Wathba prison, Abu Dhabi. 

Maryam and Amina remain imprisoned beyond their release dates and the UAE government has offered no signs of their release in the immediate future. 

Their cases also underscore the false pretence of tolerance, coexistence and peace the UAE continues to promote.

The UAE government must therefore release these prisoners and seek to end all discrimination against women in law and in practice.”