Journalists, human rights associations praise verdict

"Our independent judiciary has offered the members of the clandestine organisation and other skeptics a clear evidence that the UAE, since its inception, has been a state of institutions and law, and everyone who has rights will see his rights being given to him/her and punishment handed down to the wrongdoer," Mohammed Yousouf, Chairman of the UAE Journalists Association, said commenting on the verdict pronounced on Tuesday.

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Published: Wed 3 Jul 2013, 11:10 AM

Last updated: Thu 8 Sep 2022, 8:46 AM

"The verdict that acquitted almost a quarter of the defendants confirmed the integrity of our judicial institutions and independence of their decisions," he said.

"We hope that the members of this outlawed organisation would learn the lesson and appreciate the government's approach in this case from the beginning and the transparency with which the media was allowed to practise its duty during the trial. A self-confident state isn't afraid of the truth, nor is it scared of a clandestine organisation or a group of individuals who have been lured and pulled out from the national unanimity," he added.

Jameela Al Hamili, member of the board of directors of the UAE Human Rights Association, described the trial as transparent and clear, and that the verdict underlined that there was no authority in the UAE over the judiciary.

She said the proceedings confirmed the humanitarian side of the judges in dealing with the defendants, who gave them the freedom of expression and responded positively to 80 per cent of their demands. For instance, they were allowed to contact their family members during the court recess and one woman defendant was even allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Al Hamili said the Presiding Judge's handling of the case was civilised, though it was new to the UAE society. "He (the judge) felt pain and hardship while adjudicating, but the country is united as members of the society are satisfied with the verdict, except some. The laws and evidence are above emotions and there is nothing that can change the convictions of the judge".

The UAE Human Rights Association would work to expedite the execution of the law and release of those who had been acquitted. The association would work to integrate the acquitted persons back into the society. "The has court declared them innocent but what about the people?," she wondered.

Defence lawyer Jassim Al Naqbi said he trusted the UAE judiciary, and hoped the Rulers of the emirates would pardon the convicts. "Amnesty and noble gestures are what we are accustomed to seeing from the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Rulers and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," Al Naqbi said.