Prison sentences against 69 UAE defendants

Prof. Dr. Refik Korkusuz, dean of Law Faculty of Yeni Yüzy?l University, evaluated the verdicts of the State Supreme Security Court (SSSC) of the Federal Supreme Court against 94 suspects on trial of mostly members of al-Islah Association. “From the very beginning, the impartiality and independence of the court has been undermined" said Prof. Korkusuz, sharing details on the structure of the court. Speaking to AA,Prof. Korkusuz said, “From the very beginning, the impartiality and independence of the court has been undermined. Because the SSSC was specially formed for this trial and headed by an Emirate prosecutor along with two other non-Emirate judges as contracted workers. They can’t make fair and independent decisions without will of prosecutor or police due to their positions.” Prof. Korkusuz pointed out that the arrested people had been openly working under al-Islah Association which is established according to the UAE laws for decades.   “I think the UAE administration has scared in the wake of Arab Spring without carefully reading the process, and at the end acted unreasonably. They have arrested 94 people, and among those there were judges, academics, lawyers and prominent figures who were accused of belonging a secret, illegal organization aiming to seize power in UAE and of contacting foreign entities like Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt” said Prof. Korkusuz. Stressing that the people were arrested for their ideas not of taking arms, involving in any kinds of violence or even anti-government activities, Prof. Korkusuz said that a delegation from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and International Lawyers Union went to UAE to attend the hearings. He said, “The lawyers’ delegation, consisting of me too, has written an application to the Justice Ministry for attendance and monitor the hearings. Unfortunately, neither the Ministry responded our application nor they allowed us to meet with families of defendants. The police even blocked roads and kept our delegation stay 500 meters away from court building.” Prof. Korkusuz further clarified his point of view on the process saying, “Indeed, the decision of court is a clear human rights violation and it constitutes a flagrant violation of international human rights law” and described that the UAE Emir was the sole authority for the removal of this unfair decision. He concluded his evaluations remarking: “I hope that Emir of the UAE intervenes and takes a step to put an end to this unjust decision where the court doesn’t allow defendants for appealing the decision.” SSSC, yesterday, announced its verdict and eight were sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison, and 69 including Sheikh Sultan Bin Kayed al-Qasimi, cousin of Ra’s al-Khaima ruler, one of the UAE's seven emirates, received jail terms between seven and 10 years, while 25 were acquitted.