Brussels, 04/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 1 July, the European Commission deplored the absence of international observers at court proceedings that resulted in the sentencing of 94 people for “plotting to overthrow the government” of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“While fully respecting the judicial system of the UAE, and acknowledging that court proceedings were always held in public, we regret that the requests for international observation transmitted to the authorities by the Irish EU Presidency on behalf of the EU, as well as by several international NGOs were not considered favourably by the Federal Ministry of Justice”, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. Mann also noted that the judges have ordered some further enquiries into defendants' allegations of mistreatment. He said that the EU wishes “to emphasise that all allegations of ill-treatment of persons under detention need to be adequately investigated”. He promised that the EU will “closely” follow the judicial proceedings against a group of 30 defendants awaiting trial on similar charges.
The State Security Court of the UAE acquitted 25 of the 94 people tried, who are linked to the now disbanded Al-Islah society. The sentences given range from 3 to 15 years in prison. (CG/transl.fl)