President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates has pardoned 57 Bangladeshi citizens who were jailed for protesting against their own government. The decision to cancel their sentences was announced on Tuesday, and the individuals will be released and deported back to Bangladesh soon. The expatriates were accused of joining protests in the UAE similar to those against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in their home country. They were quickly convicted of gathering and inciting riots by a federal court in the UAE, which does not allow unauthorized protests.
Three individuals received life sentences, while 53 were sentenced to 10 years in prison. Another Bangladeshi, who entered the UAE illegally and participated in the protest, received an 11-year sentence. Human Rights Watch criticized the convictions as arbitrary and based on peaceful demonstrations. The move to pardon the prisoners came after President Sheikh Mohamed spoke with Bangladesh’s interim leader following Hasina’s removal from power amidst protests in June.
Bangladeshis make up a significant expatriate community in the UAE, working mostly in low-paid blue-collar jobs and sending remittances to their families back home. The UAE has strict laws against dissent, prohibiting criticism of rulers and restricting freedom of expression. Offending foreign states or jeopardizing relations with them is also a criminal offense in the country. This pardon highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in the UAE and the need for greater protections for their rights.
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