United Arab Emirates orders trial of Bangladeshi nationals arrested for protesting against their home government | WJHL

MICHAEL WAKIN, Associated Press

2 hours ago

This is an overview map of the United Arab Emirates with its capital Abu Dhabi. (AP Photo)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered an investigation and expedited trial of Bangladeshi nationals arrested for protesting against their homeland’s government in the Gulf state, state media reported.

The protests in the United Arab Emirates followed weeks of protests in Bangladesh, in which demonstrators protested against a quota system that reserved up to 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. The country’s top court scaled back the controversial system on Sunday, marking a partial victory for the protesting students.

The Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates filed charges against the Bangladeshis on Saturday. Among other things, they are said to have “gathered in a public place and protested against the government of their home country with the intention of inciting unrest,” obstructing law enforcement, injuring others and damaging property, reported the state news agency WAM.

“Based on the preliminary investigation results, the public prosecutor’s office has ordered pre-trial detention pending the completion of further investigations,” WAM reported.

In the United Arab Emirates, a union of seven sheikhdoms, political parties and trade unions are banned. Freedom of expression is severely restricted by comprehensive laws and almost all major local media are either state-owned or close to the state.