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Sedition case hearing to continue on May 12, 13

The state security circuit of the Supreme Federal Court has set May 12 and 13 to continue the hearing of defendants in a case of 94 people accused of forming an illegal and clandestine organisation.

On Tuesday, the court heard the final pleadings of the Public Prosecution and a number of defendants.

Tuesday’s hearing was opened with the Public Prosecution recounting the charges and what had been said by the prosecution witnesses.

In its indictment sheet, the Public Prosecution added some information like demonstrations and rallies held in front of the UAE embassy in the UK, an attempt to mount pressure on UAE embassies in Geneva and France, setting up of a human rights organisation in Europe, and dealing with 10 human rights organisations aiming to defame the country.

A number of the defendants who worked with tourist companies tried to portray a tarnished image of the country to their customers, to achieve their goals, the Public Prosecution said, noting that, by doing so, the defendants were trying to gain the support of foreign organisations, and force the country to recognise the organisation. It alleged that they wanted to gradually control the Civil Society organisations and then proceed to get memberships in the FNC and key areas of the government.

The Public Prosecution said evidence showed that the defendants had met with the Deputy General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and requested him to support them, and held a meeting with President Mohammed Mursi of Egypt, and Turkey’s Prime Minister Raceb Tayyip Erdogan. Some of them even held meetings with US Deputy Consul-General in the UAE, and with members of the European parliament.

Pieces of evidence also showed that the organisation members had coordinated with an Iraqi man to act as a middleman to meet with members of the US Congress. The chargesheet said all the international meetings of this group aimed at building up relationships to mount pressure on the UAE government, and to win foreign opinion against the UAE leadership.

According to the Public Prosecution, the defendants had issued an internal edict (Fatwa) that legalises lies and spreads fake news on arrests in the UAE.

The defendants had also worked on supporting the Islamic movements and the Muslim Brotherhood in the AGCC countries, pointing out that they are the worthy inheritors of the rule.

While asking the court to levy strictest punishment on them, the Public Prosecution said they also opened multi-lingual TV channels, websites and social networking sites to gain sympathy of different nationalities to support them in achieving their objectives.

After the first recess, a number of accused gave their pleadings. They all underlined their loyalty and allegiance to the country and rulers of the emirates. The accused wondered how such serious charges were brought against them, categorically denying all such charges. They said they are committed to the UAE Constitution and laws, and that their religion does not allow them to disobey the Ruler.

Each one of the accused talked about his career history as most of them are well known trainers and academicians in the Emirati society.

Some of the accused told the court that the allegations in the arraignment sheet were wrong, including the charge that they attempted to sneak and penetrate into the security bodies of the country, as well as speaking to foreign channels for defaming the country. The judge, in a reply to the accused’s plea, advised them to focus on what was stated in the investigation and not the prosecution’s indictment memo.

They said they are from families close to the royal family and some of them had worked long for the Rulers and have good relationship with the country. “How come that we think of capturing the rule,” one accused wondered.

Some of the accused have narrated the infringements they and other members of Al Eslah Society had faced over the past years like how had they been ordered retirement and others.

One of the accused pointed out that he will confront anybody who tries to seize the power. “How can I do such an act when my allegiance is to the country,” he asked. The same accused said he will do whatever the Ruler orders him even if he is ordered to stay in jail for ten years.

malzarroni@khaleejtimes.com