Author: Aisha Noor
March 7, 2025
HRRC strongly opposes the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) exploitation of the legal system for political gain and suppression of opposing voices. The government must release all wrongfully imprisoned activists and ensure fair trials for everyone.
![Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber of the UAE [Image credit: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_e202c89b76334305bba7f6840d8c57fe~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_480,h_320,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_e202c89b76334305bba7f6840d8c57fe~mv2.png)
On March 4, 2025, the Federal Supreme Court of the UAE confirmed 53 human rights defenders’ and dissidents’ verdicts by rejecting their entire set of appeals, an outcome which has received significant international criticism. Following a mass trial in July 2024, the defendants received sentences ranging up to life imprisonment. Their convictions stemmed from peaceful activism and involvement with an independent advocacy group.
Despite having solely participated in peaceful activism, UAE authorities charged the defendants with operating a "terrorist organization", referencing the UAE's counterterrorism law of 2014. However, critics have pointed out that the government is exploiting the judicial system in an effort to stifle dissenting voices and advance their power and influence. International criticism is growing as the UAE continues failing to safeguard its citizens' fundamental human rights and the right to fair and just trials.
HRRC calls upon UAE authorities to immediately release every person who was wrongfully imprisoned and ensure a fair trial to each individual. In addition, the UAE must protect the rights of free speech and peaceful assembly and follow international human rights law.
Glossary
Appeals – Legal procedures by which a case is reviewed by a higher court.
Convictions – Legal declarations that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
Counterterrorism law – Laws designed to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism, often involving harsh punishments.
Defendant – A person or group against whom a criminal or civil action is brought. Someone who is being sued or accused of committing a crime.
Dissent – To differ in opinion; political opposition to a government or its policies.
Dissidents – Individuals who oppose or criticize established political systems or authorities.
Due process – The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person under the law.
Exploit – To make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage.
International human rights law – Legal standards that aim to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals globally, such as the right to a fair trial or freedom of expression.
Judiciary/Judicial system – A legal branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying existing laws to the cases that come before it.
Peaceful assembly – The right of peaceful assembly includes the right to hold meetings, sit-ins, strikes, rallies, events or protests, both offline and online.
Safeguard – To protect, make safe, or prevent harm.
Stifle – To cut off, deter, or discourage.
Suppression – To put down by authority or force; to subdue, stop, or prevent.
Terrorist organization – A group designated by the government as engaging in unlawful violence to achieve political aims.
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