UAE sentences 57 Bangladeshis to long-term jail terms for protests against own government
- In Reports
- 09:16 PM, Jul 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
In the United Arab Emirates, 57 Bangladeshi nationals have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for participating in protests against their own government. According to reports from the state-run Wam news agency, three of the defendants received life sentences for allegedly inciting riots across several streets on July 19th. Additionally, 53 individuals were sentenced to 10 years in prison each, while one person received an 11-year sentence.
The court-appointed defense lawyer argued during the trial that the protests had no criminal intent and that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the severity of the charges.
Amnesty International has strongly criticised the UAE's response to these protests, describing it as an "extreme reaction to the mere existence of a public protest" within its borders. The organisation's statement suggests concern over the UAE's handling of dissent and freedom of expression.
In the UAE, protests are effectively illegal, despite the country having a population where nearly 90% are foreigners. Bangladeshis constitute the third largest expatriate group in the UAE.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, significant unrest has occurred with over 150 deaths and 500 arrests stemming from violent protests led by students against government job quotas. Protest leaders recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government demanding the lifting of a nationwide curfew and the restoration of internet services. They are also calling for the resignation of officials they accuse of perpetrating violence against demonstrators.
These developments represent one of the most serious challenges faced by Sheikh Hasina during her 15-year tenure as Bangladesh's prime minister. According to Wam, the trial of the 57 Bangladeshis revealed that they had organised large-scale marches in several streets of the UAE to protest decisions made by the Bangladeshi government. These protests reportedly escalated into riots, disrupted public security, obstructed law enforcement efforts, and endangered both public and private property. The police allegedly warned the protesters to disperse, but they did not comply.
The court, as reported by Wam, dismissed the defendants' defense arguments and sentenced them to prison terms. After serving their sentences, they are to be deported from the UAE. As of now, there has been no immediate response from the government of Bangladesh. However, the Bangladeshi consulate in Dubai posted on social media, advising its citizens to adhere to local laws.
Devin Kenney, the UAE researcher for Amnesty International, expressed grave concern over the recent mass trials in the UAE, where numerous individuals were sentenced to extensive prison terms "literally overnight" for charges unrelated to violence. He emphasised that the severe reaction to mere public protests on Emirati soil indicates a strong state emphasis on quelling any form of dissent within the country.
Earlier in July, a court in the UAE sentenced 43 human rights defenders and political dissidents to life imprisonment on charges of allegedly forming a terrorist organisation. Human rights organisations denounced this trial, asserting that the accused were part of an independent advocacy group, and criticised the proceedings as a blatant miscarriage of justice.
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