More than 2,000 Afghans still "arbitrarily detained" in UAE camp "exactly like a prison," rights group says
CBSAPR 1 2023
UAE: Over 40 Activists Receive Life Sentences for 'Terror' Offenses
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This verdict was expected. It was clear from the beginning that the UAE court would impose excessive sentences in a trial that was shamelessly unjust and characterized by many violations of due process and torture allegations. The court violated basic legal principles, including double jeopardy and retroactive punishment, for actions that were not illegal at the time they were allegedly committed. This unlawful ruling must be overturned, and the prisoners should be set free.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal handed down the sentences after finding that the convicted individuals had collaborated with a banned terrorist organization to instigate violent unrest in the country. This included protests and clashes between security forces and protesting crowds, which could have resulted in deaths, injuries, and property destruction. All convicted criminals have the right to appeal their verdicts to a higher court.