The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal
State Security Department - convicted 53 defendants, including leaders and members of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organization, and six companies, in Case No. 87 of 2023 – State Security Offenses. Known in the media as the “Justice and Dignity Committee” case, the court imposed penalties ranging from life imprisonment to fines of AED 20 million.
According to WAM news agency, the Court sentenced 43 defendants to life imprisonment for creating, establishing, and managing the terrorist “Justice and Dignity Committee” with the purpose of committing terrorist acts in the country. Five defendants received 15-year prison terms for cooperating with the “Reform Call” Organization and advocating for it on social media, knowing its intent to act against the country. Another five were sentenced to ten years in prison and fined AED 10 million each for laundering money to fund the terrorist organization.
The Court also fined six companies AED 20 million each, ordered their dissolution and closure, and confiscated their assets, properties, funds, and equipment used in the crimes, including organized money laundering to finance terrorism.
Additionally, the Court dismissed charges against 24 defendants for cooperation and funding the organization and acquitted one defendant.
The Court confirmed that the crimes for which the defendants were convicted were distinct from those in Case No. 79 of 2012. Evidence presented, including confessions, witness testimonies, and technical reports, was sufficient to prove the defendants’ involvement.
The Court verified that the defendants were part of the “Reform Call” Organization (Muslim Brotherhood), which aimed to incite violence and unrest in the country, mimicking events in other Arab states. This included protests and clashes leading to deaths, injuries, and property destruction, threatening national security and stability.
The verdict can be appealed before the Federal Supreme Court.
The trial spanned ten hearings, during which the Court ensured the defendants' legal rights were protected. Defendants were allowed to choose their attorneys, and attorneys were appointed for those who did not. The Court heard their defenses and arguments and reviewed written defense memorandums.
Witnesses testified in public sessions, allowing for cross-examination by the defense. The Public Prosecution presented evidence, including confessions, state security investigations, and expert reports, which substantiated the defendants’ involvement and roles in the crimes.
In a statement, the Court emphasized that these crimes were separate from those in Case No. 79 of 2012 and affirmed adherence to the principles of non-retroactivity and double jeopardy.
Short link: