Deported man’s safety and fair trial rights should be upheld by UAE authorities

Amnesty International Calls for Protection of Khalaf al-Rumaithi from Torture and Unfair Trial

Amnesty International, the human rights organization based in the UK, has called for the Emirati authorities to ensure that the Turkish-Emirati citizen Khalaf al-Rumaithi is protected from torture and other ill-treatment. The authorities are also urged to ensure that any retrial he may face is in accordance with international fair trial standards. Al-Rumaithi was forcibly deported to the UAE from Jordan in May 2021, and he may face a retrial for allegedly affiliating with an organization that opposes the foundational principles of the UAE government.

The Case of Khalaf al-Rumaithi

Khalaf al-Rumaithi had been living in Turkey for the past decade as he fled the country following the infamous “UAE-94″ case against 94 dissidents, including members of the al-Islah political movement. He went to Jordan on 7 May to search for a school for his children, but he was apprehended by airport security officials on a UAE request for his arrest and deportation. After being released on bail and allowed to enter Jordan, he was arrested again on May 8 and deported to the UAE in secrecy and in violation of a Jordanian court order. His lawyer was not granted access to him after he last saw him at Marka prison on 9 May.

Amnesty International’s Call for Protection of Khalaf al-Rumaithi

Amnesty International regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Heba Morayef, emphasized the need for the UAE authorities to prioritize Khalaf al-Rumaithi’s safety. She urged the authorities to allow him prompt access to a lawyer, his family, and any medical attention he may require. Additionally, any retrial must take place in accordance with international fair trial standards, including ensuring that all charges brought are in accordance with international law.

The charge of affiliation with an organization that opposes the foundational principles of the UAE government, for which al-Rumaithi may face a retrial, is incompatible with the right to freedom of association and is contrary to international human rights law. Thus, Amnesty International calls on the Emirati authorities to adhere to international law and respect the human rights of al-Rumaithi.

The Flawed UAE-94 Trial

Amnesty International documents how the infamous “UAE-94″ trial was deeply flawed, with defendants held incommunicado for periods of up to a year, and several stating that they were tortured to “confess.” Sixty-nine men received prison sentences of up to 15 years, and 51 of these men have now completed their sentences yet remain unlawfully held. The case highlights the importance of fair trials, and the need for authorities to address human rights issues in their countries.

Editorial and Advice

Authorities must respect human rights, including the right to a fair trial and freedom of association. Trials that are conducted unfairly and convictions based on confessions obtained through torture reflect poorly on the reputation of a country. We encourage authorities to listen to Amnesty International’s calls for the protection of Khalaf al-Rumaithi’s rights, and to ensure that he receives a fair trial. The fair treatment of individuals will improve the reputation of nations and promote trust in their justice systems.