UAE: Activists tortured in prison for criticizing the government

Amnesty International believes that the only reason they were imprisoned was because they promoted democratic reforms, and so considers them prisoners of conscience.

„World leaders must not prioritize economic interests over human rights and ignore serious violations of fundamental rights in the United Arab Emirates. They should use their influence to see to it that all prisoners of conscience were released, and to respect their right to the freedom of expression, association and assembly, „said Said Boumedouha, deputy program director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa divisions.

Overall, the federal Supreme Court convicted a total of 94 activists. Sixty-nine defendants were sentenced to prison for a period ranging from seven to fifteen years. The process was unjust and blatantly violated the due process of law. For example, judges accepted as evidence of guilt „confessions“ obtained under torture, and defendants were denied contact with lawyers. Several activists have complained that their signatures were forged on the confession.

The defendants said during the trial that they suffered from all forms of ill-treatment in prison. They were prevented from sleeping and spent long periods of time in solitary confinement. In addition, prison staff threatened them with electric shocks, rape, and death. The judge ignored all these allegations. Because activists were convicted by the Supreme Federal Court, none of them had the opportunity to appeal the judgment, which is inconsistent with the international obligations of the United Arab Emirates with respect to human rights.