Dubai: Dozens of Islamists arrested in the UAE over the past few months have confessed to forming a secret organisation ultimately aimed at destabilising the country and establishing an Islamist
state, local reports said on Thursday.

Members of the banned Al Islah Society told investigators the organisation, affiliated with the Egypt-based Muslim Brotherhood, was established more than 23 years ago and included members
from the seven emirates with the ultimate aim of taking over the government, the Arabic daily Al Khaleej reported, citing “unnamed sources” close to the investigation. The case has been handled by the
General Prosecutor from the outset, the sources said.

“Investigations have revealed that the structure of the organisation included committees and local branches in every emirate, as well as consultative and executive councils,” said the newspaper. The mother organisation
(the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood) has always aimed at setting up a military wing, with their final goal being the creation of an Islamic state.

It is known that Muslim Brotherhood’s tactics have involved recruiting young and retired officers. The local organisation had also been acting “in highlevel coordination with the organisations of the Muslim Brotherhood in three other Gulf states,” the newspaper said.

“The Muslim Brotherhood in the UAE recently received Dh10 million ($2.72 million) from its counterpart in a Gulf state, because it is currently going through a tough time,” according to the reports. On July 15, the Prosecutor
General announced authorities had dismantled a group that was plotting against state security and challenging the constitution but did not identify their affiliation or give the number of arrests.

The local newspapers on Thursday quoted the sources as saying that the recent reports that the suspects had been coerced into confessing or subjected to abuse in prison were “utter fabrication.” “Such practices are against
UAE norms and values,” the sources said, stressing that the UAE is known for its tolerance as a society.

“The suspects will have their day in court soon,” the sources added, stressing that the court will decide on the case according to Article 180 of the Penal Code which criminalises the formation of a secret group
that aims to destabilise the political system.

— With inputs from AFP