The President of the United Arab Emirates has pardoned 57 Bangladeshi citizens who were previously convicted and sentenced to long prison terms for organizing a rare protest in the Gulf nation against their home country, Bangladesh.
The decision by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan results in the cancellation of their sentences. The individuals who have been pardoned will be deported from the UAE, according to state reports released on Tuesday.
The group of 57 Bangladeshi citizens was sentenced by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal following an expedited trial in July. The protest was held against the then-prime minister of Bangladesh and her government during a period of unrest in Bangladesh.
Of those sentenced, three Bangladeshi citizens received life imprisonment, while 53 others were given 10-year sentences. Additionally, one individual, who reportedly entered the UAE illegally and participated in the protest, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
The Public Prosecution charged the group with "crimes of gathering in a public place and protesting against their home government with the intent to incite unrest."
This pardon by Sheikh Mohamed comes just days after reports that the UAE president had extended congratulations to Muhammad Yunus on becoming Bangladesh's interim leader. This followed the resignation and flight of the former prime minister amid violent protests in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi nationals represent one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, a country with a population of around 10 million, where the majority are foreign residents. Emiratis make up about 10% of the population. Many Bangladeshis work in low-paying, blue-collar jobs and send money back home to support their families.
The UAE is known for its strict stance against dissent, with limited freedom of expression, and protests are extremely uncommon.
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