The Abu Dhabi Federal Appeals Court postponed the verdict in a major terrorism case until March 14, 2024. The case involves the "Justice and Dignity Committee Organization," which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has designated as a terrorist group.
The trial, designated Case No. 87 of 2023- State Security Offenses, centers on 84 defendants, including individuals and entities allegedly connected to the organization. The state accuses them of crimes related to establishing and managing a terrorist organization, as well as laundering money obtained through those activities.
The postponement comes after the court heard arguments from the prosecution during the previous session on February 18, 2024. The prosecution reportedly requested the maximum penalty for the defendants. This session focused on the defense pleas presented by the counsels representing the accused.
The "Justice and Dignity Committee Organization" is linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist organization. The UAE, along with several other countries in the region, considers the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. They accuse the group of seeking to overthrow governments and establish Islamist rule.
The Muslim Brotherhood denies these allegations and maintains a peaceful stance. The designation of the organization and this trial have drawn criticism from human rights groups who argue that the UAE stifles dissent by labeling opposition groups as terrorist organizations.
The UAE government maintains that the defendants are not being targeted for their political views but for their alleged involvement in criminal activities that threaten national security. The upcoming session on March 14 will likely see the conclusion of defense arguments, after which the court will deliberate before reaching a verdict.