UAE: Terrorist group members face life imprisonment, Dh20 million fines
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The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals State Security Division has convicted 53 members of the Muslim Brotherhood and six companies in the "Justice and Dignity Organisation" case. The court handed down sentences ranging from life imprisonment to fines of up to Dh20 million.
Forty-three individuals received life sentences for their roles in establishing, founding and managing the Justice and Dignity Organisation with the intent to commit terrorist acts within the UAE. Five others were sentenced to 15 years in prison for collaborating with the illegal Reform Call Organization by publishing anti-state content on social media.
An additional five defendants were sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Dh10 million each for money laundering crimes linked to funding a terrorist organisation. Six companies and their officials were fined Dh20 million each, with orders to dissolve, close their premises and confiscate their assets.
The court dismissed criminal cases against 24 defendants accused of collaborating with and providing financial support to the Reform Call Organization and acquitted one defendant of all charges. This ruling is subject to appeal before the Federal Supreme Court.
The court noted that the crime of managing the Justice and Dignity Organisation is separate from previous state security charges. Evidence, including confessions, witness testimonies and technical reports, was sufficient to prove the defendants' guilt.