Abu Dhabi court adjourns trial for 84 individuals accused of terrorism

Abu Dhabi: An Abu Dhabi court has recently adjourned the trial of 84 defendants who stand accused of orchestrating a terrorist organization aimed at executing an attack on the UAE.

The accused individuals are purportedly key figures within an entity known as the "Justice and Dignity Committee." This organization allegedly aimed to incite public unrest through protests, demonstrations against the government and confrontations with security forces.

Most of the defendants are claimed to have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, according to authorities.

The trial is being held at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, commonly referred to as the State Security Court.

Since February, multiple hearings have occurred, with the latest session taking place on Thursday. The court listened to arguments from the defence this week before postponing proceedings until the following month.

Legal representatives for the accused raised objections to the prosecution's evidence, highlighting that technical and financial reports relied heavily on analysis and left room for doubt regarding the defendant's involvement in the alleged terrorist scheme.

The defence urged for their clients’ acquittal, asserting that the lack of knowledge regarding the true intentions of the organization negated any criminal intent.

Earlier, the court had heard allegations of money laundering against five defendants and six companies purportedly involved in financing the group.

The charges against the defendants directly pertain to the establishment of another clandestine organization with the intent to commit acts of violence within the UAE territory.

The defendants are accused of attempting to conceal both the crime and evidence thereof before their apprehension and subsequent charging.

The case is set to resume on April 18, allowing for the completion of defence pleas.

The adjournment of the trial marks a pause in proceedings as the court deliberates on the evidence presented and considers the arguments put forth by both the prosecution and the defence. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have significant implications, not only for the defendants but also for the broader national context within the UAE.