UAE jails 57 Bangladeshi for protests against their home government
In a significant development reported by state media on Monday, the United Arab Emirates has sentenced 57 Bangladeshi expatriates for participating in protests against their home government while in the Gulf nation, where demonstrations are strictly prohibited.
According to the official Emirati news agency, WAM, three individuals were handed life sentences, while 53 others received 10-year terms, and one person was sentenced to 11 years. The charges stemmed from alleged participation in protests that purportedly incited riots across multiple streets in the UAE on Friday.
The UAE authorities acted swiftly, launching an investigation immediately after the protests occurred last week, as detailed by WAM. The agency cited witness testimony confirming the organization of large-scale marches against decisions made by the Bangladeshi government.
Upon completion of their prison terms, the convicted individuals will face deportation, the report further noted.
The protests in question in the UAE coincide with widespread demonstrations in Bangladesh over government job quota reforms. These reforms have resulted in significant unrest, with reports indicating over 160 fatalities and thousands injured, many critically. Additionally, in the past four days, Bangladeshi authorities have arrested over 2,500 individuals, including numerous opposition figures and activists, in connection with the protests.
Bangladeshis constitute the third largest expatriate community in the UAE, following Pakistanis and Indians, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry.
The UAE’s penal code categorically prohibits actions that could damage relations with foreign states, underscoring the severity of the charges against the Bangladeshi expatriates involved in the protests.
This development marks a stark reminder of the legal boundaries governing expression in countries like the UAE, where even peaceful demonstrations can lead to severe legal repercussions.
