UAE arrests democracy activists.

[sheikmyarse]

UAE arrests democracy activists

Nasser bin Ghaith teaches economic law at La Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories

Second stage starts in UAE polls
UAE prepares for first elections
Country profile: United Arab Emirates
The authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrested three political activists who called for democratic and economic reforms.

They include outspoken economics professor Nasser bin Ghaith, said a lawyer and fellow activist on Sunday.

Also detained were Fahad Salem al-Shehhi and Ahmed Mansour, who took part in an online pro-democracy forum.

Mr Mansour was arrested on Friday in Dubai after he signed a petition in favour of an elected parliament.

Emirati intellectuals and activists, inspired by popular uprisings sweeping the Arab world, petitioned the UAE president on 9 March to introduce direct elections and invest parliament with legislative powers.

The UAE is an alliance of seven sheikdoms run by ruling families. The parliament, based in the capital Abu Dhabi, serves as an advisory body.

Its 40 members are either directly appointed by the ruling sheikhs or elected by citizens hand-picked by the rulers to vote.

There are no official opposition groups and political parties are banned.

Several Gulf states have been rocked by pro-democracy protests inspired by the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, including Bahrain, Yemen, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

[jackdaniels]

This could be the spark that will ignite a future uprising and political unrest in the country! after all UAE was the next in line... :rolleyes:


lets see how many will get slaughtered! :mad:

[ShinjukuHustler]

If they will do this to a citizen of a foreign country (see below) ... imagine what these cavemen with their caveman legal system will do to their own people...

Briton dies in Dubai custody amid torture allegations

"A British national has died in custody" in Dubai, the spokesperson told AFP. "The embassy is in close contact with Dubai police and has been assured a full investigation will take place" into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The man, identified by local newspaper 7Days as Lee Bradley Brown, a tourist, died in his cell on Monday nearly a week after his arrest, the English-language daily said.
According to the report, the British embassy "said it had been contacted by the 39-year-old?s family who claimed Brown was beaten by police officers during his detention."
The embassy spokesperson said it has not yet been confirmed that the man died from torture.
It was unclear why he had been detained, although media reports said he was taken into custody for swearing.
Dubai, a popular destination for British tourists and expatriate workers, has occasionally come under fire from rights groups over harsh detention conditions.

[critical winge]

Dubai death from beatings by police while in custody link here.

Dubai Death: Lee Brown From Essex Dies In Police Custody In Bur Dubai Police Station | UK News | Sky News (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Dubai-Death-Lee-Brown-From-Essex-Dies-In-Police-Custody-In-Bur-Dubai-Police-Station/Article/201104215972148?lpos=UK_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Regio n_2&lid=ARTICLE_15972148_Dubai_Death%3A_Lee_Brown_From_Essex_Die s_In_Police_Custody_In_Bur_Dubai_Police_Station)


If you want to get police fines for speeding, crossing red lights or not driving with your seat belt on then they will come while you are sleeping safely at home. You the expat are a target for their hate and fines. Everyday you can see locals driving with children on their laps IN THE DRIVERS SEAT on the fast lane of the highway! The justice system is biased and they do what they want, how they want and know they can get away with it. Think VERY carefully before you subject family and friends to this part of the world, it looks shiny on the outside but like the chocolate covered turd, its not so sweet on the inside!

[critical winge]

This is a news paper report over a year ago, but little has changed.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html