UAE Court Rejects Appeals, Continuing Crackdown on Political Dissent
The UAE's ongoing repressive tactics against political opponents spark international criticism as the Federal Supreme Court upholds controversial terrorism convictions.
Watan-The UAE continues its crackdown on political opponents, with the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi rejecting appeals on behalf of dozens convicted in a controversial mass trial. The case, which has sparked widespread international human rights criticism, saw charges of terrorism levied against political opponents, reflecting the repressive approach the UAE authorities take to silence dissent.
According to human rights sources, the Supreme Court issued its ruling without providing any legal justifications, while the decision on another appeal filed by the public prosecution was postponed until April 8.
Last year, the court sentenced 43 people to life in prison, while 10 others received sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years. Abu Dhabi insists the case concerns the Muslim Brotherhood, classified as a terrorist organization in the country, but human rights organizations view it as a cover to target activists and political opponents.
UAE Faces Growing International Criticism Over Human Rights and Repression During COP28
These developments coincide with growing international pressure on the UAE over its human rights record, particularly during its hosting of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in 2023, when activists used the event to highlight the increasing repression in the country.
Despite the UAE’s efforts to portray itself as a socially open country, the reality reveals ongoing severe restrictions on freedom of expression, including bans on political parties, labor unions, and even blogging.
The authorities have not disclosed the names of all those convicted, but among the most notable detainees is academic Nasser bin Ghaith, imprisoned since 2015 for his social media posts. Human rights defenders assert that the trial lacked even the most basic standards of justice, with detainees subjected to mistreatment and torture in UAE prisons.
This unjust ruling raises questions about the UAE’s commitment to international human rights treaties, given its ongoing policy of silencing voices and intimidating activists. Despite international criticism, the UAE government seems determined to use the judiciary as a tool to suppress opponents, making the UAE one of the most repressive countries in the region, where it has become a closed cell for anyone daring to express their opinion.
