The UAE 94

The UAE 94

On the 5th anniversary of the start of the grossly unfair mass «UAE 94 trial», the International Campaign for Freedom in the UAE remembers the serious and heinous violations of human rights and internationally recognised standards for free trials that marred the proceedings. 

- On 27th January 2013, 94 prominent human rights lawyers, academics, student leaders and teachers were charged with founding, organising and administering an organisation aimed at overthrowing the government.

- The group had engaged in peaceful political debate for many years in the UAE and advocated for greater rights. In 2011, the defendants signed a petition calling for democratic reform in the country.  

- At the conclusion of trial on 2nd July 2013, 56 of these 94 were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, 5 of them to 7 years, and 8 others, who were tried in absentia, to 15 years. The other 25 were acquitted. 

- Numerous credible allegations of torture and inhuman treatment were made and were not investigated; this puts the authorities in breach of their international obligations. 

- Some defendants were held incommunicado at a secret location. This is called an ‘enforced disappearance’, which is an illegal practice according to international law and multiple human rights conventions

The trial failed to meet internationally agreed standards of fair trial:

- The tribunal was not independent, and the judge deliberately ignored the numerous allegations of torture - this would suggest the involvement of other state agencies. 

- International observation was not allowed: The international media and legal observers were not admitted to the hearings. Furthermore, people who used social media to relay information were imprisoned and journalists were prevented from interviewing the defendants' family. 

- The defendants' rights to legal assistance were not protected: Not all the defendants had an opportunity to see a lawyer before the trial, and none of the defendants or their lawyers received documents in good time so as to prepare an effective defence.  

- Those convicted have no right to appeal.

Despite the international outrage and the repeated calls from Human Rights organisations for their release, those convicted are still in prison.

JOIN US! To call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Email campaigns@icfuae.org.uk for more information.

Tags: UAE 94

 

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