Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has sentenced three Bangladeshi nationals to life imprisonment and ordered the deportation of 54 others after serving their prison terms for their involvement in inciting riots and participating in illegal gatherings.
The court announced the verdict on Monday, reflecting the UAE’s stringent measures against public disturbances and illegal immigration.
Life Sentences and Deportations
The three individuals were handed life sentences for orchestrating demonstrations and inciting riots within the UAE to exert pressure on the Bangladeshi government amidst the recent unrest over job reservation policies in Bangladesh.
The court also imposed a 10-year prison term on 53 defendants and an 11-year term on one individual for entering the UAE illegally and participating in the unauthorized assembly.
Following their imprisonment, all 54 individuals will be deported, and the authorities will confiscate any seized devices related to their activities.
The Gathering and Arrest
The arrests took place last Friday when a group of Bangladeshis assembled and incited riots in multiple streets across the UAE.
The protests were directed against the Bangladeshi government’s job reservation policies, which have sparked significant controversy and unrest back in Bangladesh.
The UAE Attorney-General, Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, resulting in an urgent trial for the suspects.
Investigation and Trial
A team of 30 investigators conducted a thorough investigation, leading to the confirmation of the suspects’ involvement in public gatherings, incitement of unrest, disruption of public security, and promotion of such activities through audiovisual recordings disseminated online. Several defendants confessed to their crimes during the investigation.
The trial, which attracted media attention, saw the Public Prosecution demand the maximum penalty for the accused.
A key witness testified that the defendants had organized large-scale marches in several UAE streets, protesting decisions made by the Bangladeshi government.
The protests escalated into riots, disrupting public security, obstructing law enforcement, and endangering both public and private property. Despite police warnings to disperse, the protesters remained unresponsive, leading to their arrests.
Defense and Verdict
The court-appointed defense lawyer argued that the gathering lacked criminal intent and that the evidence presented was insufficient for a conviction.
The defense sought the acquittal of the defendants, emphasizing the need for a more lenient interpretation of the events.
However, the court found substantial evidence of guilt, including confessions and witness testimonies, leading to the convictions and sentencing of the defendants.
Background of the Unrest in Bangladesh
The protests in Bangladesh erupted over controversial job reservation policies that prioritize hiring women, residents of less developed districts, and other disadvantaged sections over merit-based selections.
A particularly contentious aspect of these policies is the reservation of 30 percent of highly coveted civil service posts for children of freedom fighters who participated in the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.
The unrest intensified, resulting in disrupted telecommunications, a nationwide internet ban, and a curfew imposed to control the growing protests.
The situation escalated to the point where the military was called in after police forces failed to manage the unrest. The protests, predominantly led by students, resulted in significant violence, with at least 114 people reported dead.
Bangladesh Supreme Court Ruling
In response to the escalating unrest, the Bangladesh Supreme Court intervened, scrapping most of the quotas that had sparked the protests.
On Sunday, the court’s Appellate Division ruled that 93 percent of government jobs would be filled based on merit, eliminating the majority of the controversial quotas. This decision aimed to quell the unrest and restore order, addressing the core grievances of the protesting groups.
Implications and Reactions
The UAE’s decisive actions against the involved individuals underscore its strict stance on maintaining public order and security.
The life sentences and subsequent deportations serve as a stern warning against any attempts to import foreign political disputes into the UAE.
The ruling also highlights the UAE’s commitment to upholding its immigration laws and ensuring that illegal activities are met with severe consequences.
The verdict has drawn mixed reactions from the international community and human rights organizations.
While some commend the UAE for its firm approach to maintaining order, others express concerns about the severity of the punishments and the treatment of foreign nationals involved in political protests.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the three Bangladeshis to life imprisonment and the deportation orders for the remaining 54 individuals mark a significant development in the UAE’s legal response to public disturbances and illegal gatherings.
As the individuals prepare to serve their sentences, the ruling serves as a potent reminder of the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy towards actions that threaten public security and order.
The aftermath of this incident continues to resonate both within the UAE and in Bangladesh, as both nations grapple with the broader implications of these events.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members