A mass trial in the United Arab Emirates has resulted in 43 dissidents being sentenced to life in prison, with several others receiving long prison terms. The trial, held at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, has been widely criticized by activists abroad. The UAE government described the case as involving the Muslim Brotherhood, a group deemed a terrorist organization by the Emirates. However, activists argue that the trial is targeting dissidents rather than addressing terrorism.
The state-run WAM news agency reported the verdicts, with five defendants receiving 15-year sentences and five others receiving 10-year sentences. The court dismissed the cases of 24 defendants. The court accused the convicted individuals of inciting violence similar to events in other Arab states, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property.
