ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates would put on trial 41 people for allegedly seeking to overthrow the government to set up a ‘caliphate’ in the Gulf state, prosecutors said on Sunday.

Such mass trials on terrorism charges are rare in the UAE which has largely been spared the militancy that has hit other Arab states.

The suspects, who include Emiratis as well as foreigners, are accused of setting up a group “with a terrorist, takfiri ideology” in a bid to “seize power and establish a caliphate”, according to the prosecutor general.

They are accused of setting up cells to train members in handling weapons and the manufacture of explosives in preparation for attacks on UAE soil.

Prosecutors charge that they were “in contact with foreign terrorist organisations... to help them achieve their goals”.

The UAE is part of the US-led coalition that has been carrying out air strikes against self-styled Islamic State (IS) group in Syria since September last year and has upped security measures since the wave of Arab Spring protests that swept the region four years ago.

In July, following the murder of an American teacher in an Abu Dhabi mall, the authorities enacted tougher anti-terror legislation, including harsher jail terms and even introducing the death penalty for crimes linked to religious hatred and “takfiri groups”.

Takfiris regard Muslims who do not follow their interpretation of Islam as apostates punishable by death. It is the ideology of Al Qaeda as well as the IS.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...