Four face terror charges in Abu Dhabi

Three Arab nationals and an Emirati went on trail before the State Security Circuit of the Supreme Federal Court in Abu Dhabi on Monday in connection with terror crimes, including a plot to plant explosives in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, according to the Arabic daily Al Bayan.
 State Security prosecutors accuse the suspects of joining Daesh and attempting to obtain secrets from a major petroleum company.
The bench of the apex court adjourned the three cases to the hearing on March 14 , to allow the defense to prepare and appoint a defense attorney for the defendant in the first case.
According to a report carried by Al Bayan on Tuesday, the State Security Prosecution alleged that A.H., A 29-year-old Sudanese national, was planning to plant bombs in various parts of Abu Dhabi with the intent of killing foreigners. In its arraignment sheet the prosecutors also said the defendant administered two portals on Twitter and Facebook where he posted information about Daesh and attempted to attract followers to it.
After reading out the charge sheet, the court asked the defendant about the charges leveled at him, which he categorically denied. The court adjourned the hearing to March 14.
Joining and promoting Daesh:
In the second case - against 18-year old Iraqi defendant A.Y.A. - State Security Prosecutions accuse him of joining Daesh and of being in contract with a member of the group to inquire how to enter Daesh-held areas in Iraq to join the militants.
The defendant also allegedly promoted - verbally and in writing - and showed various witnesses written and recorded messages from the organization praising their deeds. In addition to having a flash drive with pro-Daesh material, he built a website in which he posted information about the group and operations it was involved with in Iraq, and about services the group renders to people in occupied areas in an attempt to improve its public image.
After listening to the charges, the court asked the defendant about the charges, which he all denies. The court has adjourned to March 14 to study photographs on the request of lawyer Hamdan Al Zaioudi.
Leaking of confidential information:
The second case was about a 28-year old Sudanese national, H.A.A. who State Security Prosecutors accuse of entering the IT system of a government economic department with the purpose of procuring secret government information. He allegedly entered the system with the password of another individual without a permit and illegally obtained the encrypted password.
Prosecutors also alleged that he bought an IT system for the purpose of committing the crimes. He denied all charges and pleaded not guilty, and the hearing was also postponed to March 14.
The court also postponed the case in which M A H, an Emirati charged with promotiong terrorist thought and raising funds for Al Qaeda in Yemen, and self-appointing himself the Emir of the group in the UAE, before then pledging his loyalty to Daesh.
The case was also adjourned until March 14.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com