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United Arab Emirates (UAE): Internet writers detained; fears for safety
PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) | 11 August 2011 RAN 44/11
PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) is seriously concerned about the detention of Internet writers Ahmad Mansour and Nasser Bin Gheith, who are facing charges for their dissident activities and writings. Mansour has reportedly faced ill-treatment in prison, and there are serious concerns for his welfare. PEN International protests the detention of Ahmad Mansour 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.It also seeks assurances that the men are protected from ill-treatment, and given full access to any necessary medical care whilst detained.
According to PEN’s information, well known blogger and rights activist Ahmad Mansour and internet writer andeconomic analyst Nasser Bin Gheithwere arrested from their homes on 8 and 10 April 2011 respectively after signing a petition calling for democratic and economic reforms. They are among fiveactivists to be facing charges of "insulting the head of the state", "stirring sectarian strife", and "destabilization"after they participated in the online pro-democracy forum Emirati Dialogue (Emirati Hiwar).Their trial started on 18 July 2011, and they pleaded not guilty to the charges at a closed hearing in Abu Dhabi. On 25 July 2011, the court adjourned the trial to 26 September 2011.
Mansour is being held at Al-Wathba prison, in the city of Abu Dhabi, where he has reportedly been ill-treated and denied adequate health care by prison administration. He was initially held in solitary confinement and is now being held with convicted criminals, and is said to be at risk of attack.
Prior to his arrest, Mansour had been reportedly harassed and threatened following an online smear campaign against him.
Useful links:
* International Freedom of Expression Exchange(IFEX) (29 April 2011):http://www.ifex.org/united_arab_emirates/2011/04/29/imprisoned_pending_investigation/
* International Freedom of Expression Exchange(IFEX) (2 August 2011): http://ifex.org/united_arab_emirates/2011/08/02/mansour_mistreated/
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Please send appeals immediately to the United Arab Emirate’s authorities:
* Protesting the arrest and continued detention of blogger Ahmad Mansour and writer Nasser Bin Gheithwho are beingheld solely for the peaceful expression of their opinions;
* Calling for the immediate and unconditional release ofMansourand Bin Gheithwho are detainedin violation ofArticle 19the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which UAE is a signatory;
* Calling on the UAE authorities to drop all charges against Mansourand Bin Gheith;
* Expressing concerns for Mansour’s and Bin Gheith’s safetyandcalling 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; Email through Web: http://www.uaepm.ae/en/communicate/index.html
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 Highness
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 Highness
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for United Arab Emirates in your country if possible.
***Please contact this office if sending appeals after 31 August 2011***
For further information please contact Ghias Aljundiat PEN International Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: Ghias.Aljundi@pen-international.org
Cathy McCann
Researcher, Asia/Middle East
PEN International Writers in Prison Committee
Brownlow House
50-51 High Holborn
London WC1V 6ER.
Tel.+44 (0)20 7405 0338
Fax: +44 (0)20 7405 0339
http://www.pen-international.org/
International PEN is trading as PEN International. International PEN is a company registered inEnglandandWaleswith registration number 05683997.International PEN is a registered charity in England and Waleswith registration number 1117088. International PEN’s registered office is Brownlow House, 50-51 High Holborn,London, WC1V 6ER,UK.
