The Attorney General also called on all residents of the UAE to respect the country’s laws, stressing that the right to express opinions is protected by the state and its legal framework
The UAE President has ordered a pardon for the Bangladeshi nationals involved in last month’s protests and disturbances across several emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has also ordered authorities to drop the sentences of those convicted and arrange for their deportation from the country.
After President’s directives, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, has issued an order to halt the implementation of the sentences and commence deportation procedures.
The Attorney General also called on all residents of the UAE to respect the country’s laws, stressing that the right to express opinions is protected by the state and its legal framework. He highlighted that the state provides lawful means for expressing views, ensuring this right does not turn into actions that could harm the interests of the nation and its people.
On July 22, three Bangladeshis were sentenced to life imprisonment, and 54 others were ordered to be deported after serving prison terms over riots and protests in the Emirates.
The 57 Bangladeshi expats were sentenced in an expedited trial after they had protested against the then-prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and her government amid protests in Bangladesh.
The three were given life by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal for calling demonstrations and inciting riots. Fifty-three others were sentenced to 10 years, and one defendant was sent to 11 years in prison for entering the country illegally and participating in the ‘gathering’.
Post the arrest and conviction of the 57 individuals, Bangladeshi missions in the UAE had urged their compatriots to respect local laws and not engage in prohibited activities, which could result in the cancellation of their visas, jail time, fines, and a ban on entering the UAE.
