A court in the United Arab Emirates has sentenced 57 Bangladeshi nationals to lengthy prison terms for participating in protests against their home country’s government.
Three individuals received life sentences, while 53 were sentenced to 10 years and one to 11 years for inciting riots across the UAE, according to the state-run Wam news agency.
The defendants’ court-appointed lawyer argued that the protests were not intended to be criminal and that the evidence was insufficient. However, the court rejected this defense and ordered the deportation of the defendants following the completion of their sentences.
The judgment has been criticised by Amnesty International and other NGOs.
The protests in the UAE were reportedly in reaction to violent unrest in Bangladesh, where over 150 people have been killed and 500 arrested following student-led demonstrations against government job quotas. The unrest in Bangladesh has posed a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure.
In response to the UAE court’s ruling, the Bangladeshi consulate in Dubai urged its citizens to comply with local laws. Amnesty International highlighted that this case marked the second mass trial in the UAE within the month, with previous trials also resulting in severe sentences for non-violent charges, further showcasing the UAE’s stringent stance on public protests.
Pretty clear message about bad behaviour in someone else’s country……