President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted a pardon to 57 Bangladeshi migrants who had been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for organizing protests against the Bangladeshi government. This was reported by the Emirati news agency WAM.
According to the presidential decree, these Bangladeshi nationals are exempt from their sentences, including the payment of court-ordered fines. Those who have been pardoned will be deported from the UAE. The decree was signed by UAE Attorney General Hamad al-Shamsi.
In July, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal sentenced the 57 Bangladeshi nationals for participating in demonstrations across several UAE cities in support of student protests against the Bangladeshi government. Three of the demonstrators were sentenced to life imprisonment, 53 received ten-year sentences, and one was sentenced to 11 years. The court found them guilty of organizing protests, inciting riots, and disturbing public order.
The decision to pardon these individuals came shortly after the UAE president congratulated Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, on his recent appointment. The phone conversation took place on August 28.
The Bangladeshi community is one of the largest expatriate groups in the UAE, with approximately 10 million people. Most of them are migrant workers, as Emirati nationals constitute less than 10% of the country's population. Many Bangladeshis in the UAE work in low-wage jobs, sending remittances back home to support their families.
UAE law effectively prohibits assemblies and public demonstrations. The country also has strict limitations on freedom of speech, with political parties and labor unions being banned.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS