The security authorities of UAE carried out series of arrests, imprisonment and expelling from job against some of the young people who spread a message via aBlackBerry Messenger (BBM) calling for the peaceful protest march in response tothe increase of the oil prices. The security authorities identified the person who designed the logo (banner) and called for the march through his
deliberately-included the BlackBerry device PIN code in the banner, as the
purpose of the march did not have any bad intentions as stated to us by credible
sources.
Despite the fact that the march did not take place after all, as the
organizer – who’s a young man at the age of 23 years old and named "Saud" – sent
another message to his colleagues telling them that the march is canceled, base
on an advise made by his friends alerting him that he may put himself in
troubles with the security authorities, that however did not prevent his
arrest by the security authorities; as he was called to approach Ajman’s Police
(Ajam is one of the seven Emirates forming UAE) on the eve of the day during
which oil prices increase came into effect (15th of July), he was then, after
preliminary investigation, transferred to the Dubai Police, where Mr. “Saud”
works. Dubai Security Police accused him of "inciting nation against the
government ", put him in prison for a week and expelled him from his work as a
data entry officer in the Dubai Police.Series of arrests took placeaccordingly after, as security authorities in the different Emirates beganarresting other participants of the group, which resulted in arresting a youngman named " Badr Ali Saiwad Al Dhohori” from “Wadi Shaam” area in the Emirate of
Ras Al Khaimah. Badr is 18 years old sources informed us. He is still underdetention by the security authorities in Abu Dhabi and has not been charged until this moment, as told be informed sources. Though the total number ofarrested people is not confirmed or known until the moment, the sources informedus about approximately five other people (Said, Ahmed, Marwan Taher, and Abdullah) who might be either still under arrest or wanted by security authorities in relevancy to the event.
The story started when a group of youngsters Emiratis circulated a banner message via BBM stating the following” guys are required for a march from the Emirate of Al Fujairah to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi .. under the title of : Money has no value if it’s not put to serve the people. If you are not participating please circulate the message. Confirm participation to BB Pin code no. 20FC6E51". Worth mentioning that the title of the protest was taken from a famous saying by the founder of the
country; Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
However, the march did not take place, and a cancelation message was then circulated. Further message circulated among BB users also warned that proceeding in the protest march will be considered as a violation of the country’s law and would cause cars to be detained by the police for a month as well.
The call for the march came in response to the increase of the fuel prices initiated by the fuel distribution companies in the UAE, which made the price of gasoline in the UAE to be the highest among Arab and Gulf States countries as per some analysts.
Worth mentioning, UAE law is very strict and prevents all kinds of peaceful
marches, assembly, demonstrations and strikes. For such an event to be held, a
prior security clearance is required to be obtained from the relevant security
authorities, which predominately do not grant such licenses if ever does.
Despite that on the other hand, UAE has seen many peaceful marches celebrations
football victories of the national team or other national clubs, but
participants were never subjected to arrest, which looked paradox to some
observers here which represent to some of them unequal treatments to to similar
situations.
Source: http://emarati.katib.org/node/120
6 comments:
This is sad. Peaceful protests that are truly peaceful should not end with participants being punished. And the fact that they didn't even go through with the protest and still people got into trouble seems very wrong. I have been to many peaceful protests in my country...most of them being anti-war in Iraq. I feel it is a basic human right to be able to meet in groups and express opinions in a peaceful manner. Just one more reason I love the land I call home.
I read this article yesterday, and frankly, I have mixed reactions of shame, violation, and happiness. Thanx for sharing
@ Leanne: I do believe in the right of peaceful protesting, but there are always those few people who ruin it for everyone. For instance, in Toronto, the "so-called peaceful" protest against the G20 summit wasn't at all. There were breaking into businesses, burning police cars, theft, and vandalizing public and private properties. I think it is a good idea to put a red line for no protesters. But the sad part in this story is that those people didn't protest, there might have been the intentions, but it could also be a rumor (if u r familiar with the BBM msgs from the UAE, then you will know what I am talking about). So, making arrests before an actual action, I would say, is not a wise idea.
Making arrests before an actual action is a dangerous road to take. Think of all the ways that idea can be abused! Also, yes I know that a lot of otherwise peaceful protests have been ruined by a few bad apples, but then again those are the ones that get media coverage so we hear about them more than the ones that don't end badly. Just like the fanatical people in religions are talked about and publicized more than the rest of the followers...but where do you draw the red line?
This is unfortunate, but it's a good thing. I think peaceful (in its true sense) protests / marches is a good thing. It is a collective way of having the peoples' voice / opinions expressed.
I am a bit confused why the protests was on the fuel increase? It really isn't that expensive at least compared to any other country outside the GCC. For instance I pay Dhs 13 to 15 per gallon.
If they are using profits from the fuel prices to maintain the highways, roads and the lights etc and pay for traffic cops, offices etc -- that's a good thing isn't it?
That said, I hope Saud and Badr, come out of this as strong men. It's important to love one's country and respect its laws, but it is also important to stand up for what you truly believe in. I support these young men. They did it the 'correct' way. I hope they are not harmed and have their jobs / lives back ASAP.
Faisal -- spot on! The clowns in Toronto should be thrown in psychiatric wards! They are crazy hippy lunatics! The G2 circus is a perfect example of human beings inability to manage / understand freedom of expression. It's not for everyone.
What can we say. Here's a prayer for these young men that they shall be released soon and get back to their families and jobs.
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