United Arab Emirates (UAE): Internet writers detained; fears for safety

English PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of internet writers Ahmad Mansoor and Nasser Bin Gheith, who are facing charges for their dissident activities and writings. Mansoor has reportedly been subject to ill-treatment in prison, and there are serious concerns for his welfare. Please send letters of appeal calling for their immediate and unconditional release (details below).

Well-known blogger and rights activist Ahmad Mansoor and internet writer and economic analyst Nasser Bin Gheith were arrested at their homes on 8 and 10 April 2011 respectively after signing a petition calling for democratic and economic reforms. They are among five activists to be facing charges of ‘insulting the head of the state’, ‘stirring sectarian strife’, and ‘destabilisation’ after participating in the online pro-democracy forum Emirati Dialogue (Emirati Hiwar). The trial started on 18 July 2011 in Abu Dhabi; both Mansoor and Bin Gheith reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges at the closed hearing. On 25 July 2011, the court adjourned the trial to 26 September 2011.

Mansoor is currently being held at Al-Wathba prison, in the city of Abu Dhabi, where he has reportedly been ill-treated and denied adequate health care. He was initially held in solitary confinement, but is now being held with convicted criminals, where he is believed to be at risk of attack. Prior to his arrest, Mansoor had been harassed and threatened following an online smear campaign against him.

English PEN protests the detention of Ahmad Mansoor and Bin Gheith and calls for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the UAE is a signatory. We are also seeking assurances that both men are protected from ill-treatment and given full access to any necessary medical care whilst they remain in detention.

Useful links:

- International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) (29 April 2011)
- International Freedom of Expression Exchange(IFEX) (2 August 2011)

TAKE ACTION

Please send appeals immediately to the United Arab Emirate’s authorities:
- Protesting the arrest and continued detention of blogger Ahmad Mansoor and writer Nasser Bin Gheith who are being held solely for the peaceful expression of their opinions;
- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mansoor and Bin Gheith who are detained in violation of Article 19 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which UAE is a signatory;
- Calling on the UAE authorities to drop all charges against Mansoor and Bin Gheith;
- Expressing concerns for Mansoor’s and Bin Gheith’s safety and calling on the UAE authorities to investigate the allegations of ill-treatment.

APPEALS TO:

Vice-President and Prime Minister
Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Co-Chair of the Higher National Security Council,
Office of the Prime Minister
POB 2838, Dubai, UAE
Fax: 971 4 3531974
Emails can be sent via this website
Salutation: Your Highness

Minister of Interior
Lt-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
Minister of Interior
Human Rights Directorate
POB: 398, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Fax: 971 4 3981119
Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahya
POB 1, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
Fax: 971 2 4447766
Salutation: Your Excellency

Please also send copies of your appeal letters to the diplomatic representative for United Arab Emirates in the UK:

His Excellency Mr. Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
30 Princes Gate,
London
SW7 1PT
Fax: 020 7581 9616
Email: informationuk@mofa.gov.ae