Abu Dhabi: The trial of a group of political activists charged with posing a threat to state security will begin today in the Federal Supreme Court, Chief Justice of the court, Abdul Wahab Abdool, told Gulf News Monday.
The UAE detained the five activists — all of whom had put their signatures to a pro-democracy petition in March — on charges of "perpetrating acts that pose a threat to state security".
Judge's discretion
The accused are Ahmad Mansour Al Shehi, Nasser Ahmad Khalfan Bin Gaith, Fahd Salem Mohammad Salem Dalk, Hassan Ali Al Khamis, all Emiratis, and Ahmad Abdul Khaleq Ahmad, who does not carry identification papers.
Chief Justice Abdool said the trial might be held behind closed doors. However, he added "whether on not the hearing will be open to the public is in the hands of the Chief Justice of the State Security District, which looks into the case."
Al Shehi led an online political forum, while Bin Gaith is an economics professor and a frequent guest lecturer at the Abu Dhabi branch of Paris' Sorbonne university. Both were arrested in Dubai in early April.
The other arrested activists advocated political and parliamentary reforms suggesting that the current federal parliament serves only as an advisory body.
Following the activists' detention, tribal leaders and Emirati lawyers have pledged their loyalty to the country and its leaders in a move to distance themselves from the activists.
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