United Arab Emirates orders investigation and trial of Bangladeshi nationals arrested after protests against the country’s government

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered an investigation and expedited trial of Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested after protesting against their homeland’s government across the Gulf state, state media reported.

The protests came after nationwide demonstrations spread across the South Asian country several weeks ago to protest against a quota system that reserves up to 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence.

The country’s highest 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 demonstrators from Bangladesh on Saturday. They are accused of, among other things, “gathering in a public place and protesting against the government of their home country with the intention of inciting unrest,” obstructing law enforcement, harming others and damaging property, the state news agency WAM reported.

“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.