Ministry of Justice press release on trial opening

Abu Dhabi, March 3, 2013 (WAM) - The Ministry of Justice has issued the following press release concerning the court case involving 94 Emiratis charged of membership of an illegal organisation, which opened yesterday. "The State Security Department of the Federal Supreme Court, yesterday, Monday 4th March 2013, held its first session to consider the case of the 94 individuals charged with belonging to a secret illegal organisation, which was uncovered through investigations, and which aims to oppose the basic principles of the State's system of government in order to seize power, as well as with contacting foreign groups and entities with the aim of executing this plan. 94 defendants were referred to trial yesterday, of whom 13 were women. 10 are still at large outside the UAE and are being tried in absentia. Today's session was limited to procedural due process, to confirm the attendance of the defendants along with their respective defence lawyers. The Public Prosecution read out the specific charges against the defendants and asked the Court to hand down to the defendants the penalties stipulated by the law under which they are charged. At the end of this procedural session, the Court decided to adjourn consideration of the case to another session on 11th March, as the procedures of pleading are continuing, and to consider the pleas presented by the defendants' lawyers during yesterday's session. Family members of the defendants, representatives of the UAE Human Rights Association, the UAE Legal and Lawyers Association, the UAE Journalists Association, the UAE Writers Association, the Social Workers Association as well as representatives of local news organisations attended the trial. The Court confirmed that all guarantees for the defendants which are stated in the Constitution and law, in accordance with the highest standards to ensure a fair and just trial, are being provided. – Emirates News Agency, WAM