The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal sentenced 57 Bangladeshi nationals on Sunday for inciting riots across the UAE on Friday.
Three of the accused received life imprisonment for organizing demonstrations to pressure their home government. Fifty-three defendants were sentenced to ten-year prison terms, while one individual, who entered the country illegally, was sentenced to eleven years. The court also ordered their deportation following the completion of their sentences and the confiscation of all seized devices.
On Friday, UAE Attorney-General Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi initiated an immediate investigation into the unlawful assembly and incitement of riots by the arrested individuals.
A team of 30 investigators confirmed the defendants' involvement in public gatherings, inciting unrest, disrupting public security and promoting such activities online. Several defendants confessed to the charges.
During the trial, the Public Prosecution demanded the maximum penalty. A witness testified that the defendants organized large-scale protests in various UAE streets, leading to riots, disruption of public security and endangerment of property. Despite police warnings to disperse, the protesters remained unresponsive.
The court-appointed defence lawyer argued that the gathering lacked criminal intent and that the evidence was insufficient, seeking acquittal. However, the court found sufficient evidence of guilt and convicted the defendants accordingly.