57 Bangladeshi nationals who were imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for participating in protests against their government have been granted a pardon by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The decision to cancel their sentences and release them was announced on Tuesday, with the individuals set to be deported back to their home country soon.
The group was convicted by a UAE court in July of gathering and inciting riots, with three receiving life sentences and 53 sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Bangladeshi expatriates had participated in protests similar to those in Bangladesh against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government.
Human Rights Watch criticized the sentences as arbitrary and based on peaceful demonstrations, prompting Sheikh Mohamed to intervene and pardon the prisoners. The move comes after a conversation between the UAE president and Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who took over after Hasina was removed from power amid protests last month.
Bangladeshis make up a large expatriate community in the UAE, primarily working in low-wage jobs and sending remittances back home. However, the UAE’s strict laws restrict freedom of expression, prohibiting criticism of rulers and speech that may incite social unrest. The penal code also criminalizes actions that may jeopardize foreign relations.
The unrest in Bangladesh that led to the protests began with demonstrations against civil service job quotas and escalated into calls for Hasina to resign, ultimately resulting in her removal from power. Despite this, many Bangladeshis continue to work in the UAE, contributing to the country’s workforce and economy.
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