UAE authorities had detained 13 Egyptians with alleged ties to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood between November 21, 2012 and January 7, 2013. The Egyptians were isolated and were not allowed to communicate with anyone from the outside world, including their families.
However, even though local media has claimed that the Egyptians had formed a secret Muslim Brotherhood cell attempting to establish a foothold in the UAE, there have been no charges pressed against them yet. Among these detainees are doctors, engineers, and university professors whom have lived and worked in the UAE for many years.
Many of the detainees have been given no opportunity to challenge their detention. "This case proves yet another sad example of the UAE authorities' ignoring due process of law and basic legal protections," said Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.
Furthermore, the family members detainees have complained that Emirati security services went to the Egyptians' homes with no warrants, arrested them, and confiscated papers and computers. The detention of these peoples violates Emirati, as well as international law.
However, even though local media has claimed that the Egyptians had formed a secret Muslim Brotherhood cell attempting to establish a foothold in the UAE, there have been no charges pressed against them yet. Among these detainees are doctors, engineers, and university professors whom have lived and worked in the UAE for many years.
Many of the detainees have been given no opportunity to challenge their detention. "This case proves yet another sad example of the UAE authorities' ignoring due process of law and basic legal protections," said Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.
Furthermore, the family members detainees have complained that Emirati security services went to the Egyptians' homes with no warrants, arrested them, and confiscated papers and computers. The detention of these peoples violates Emirati, as well as international law.
Very interesting, I would be interested to see how or if these men are released from prison. I can see how the UAE is worried about the influx of Muslim Brotherhood members, however I would hope they would charge these men and give them due process of law.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that this is very politically related. Other governments are scared of the Muslim Brotherhood and the strong political/societal message they can bring.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised reading this and seeing it was the UAE. This is not to stereotype the country in any way, but I thought it was interesting how the UAE is functioning. I can see why they approached the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in that manner--well somewhat. I'm curious if anyone believes that the UAE is doing this to gain approval from the Western World?
ReplyDeleteLet me preface this by stating that I do not see the detentions as preferable, or even legal. Yet, concerns over the proliferation of the Muslim Brotherhood can readily be understood - a relatively stable state, the UAE surely wishes to continue forward progress and not undergo setbacks at the hands of political and theological activists.
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