The Abu Dhabi mall murder case case was not just an ordinary crime and that is why the UAE’s reaction was not usual either. In its strong approach to the brutal murder of the American schoolteacher, the UAE conveyed a clear-cut message. If the purpose behind this heinous crime was to disturb stability and security and create unrest and chaos in the country, then the UAE came up with a swift rejoinder. In his statement following the arrest of the veiled female suspect, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, warned that severe penalties await those who try to tamper with the security of the country. “Anyone, who even thinks of disrupting the security or stability enjoyed by the people in the UAE will be faced with the full force of the police and the community,” he said.
Through these unambiguous words, Shaikh Saif sent out a forceful message to whoever masterminded and executed this hideous crime in cold blood — a crime never seen in the Emirati community since the creation of the UAE. The statement by Shaikh Saif made it clear that there was an attempt on the part of the perpetrators of the crime to disturb the UAE’s security. It is also obvious that those who planned and committed the crime intended to terrorise people.
“The suspect targeted her victims based on nationality alone and had nothing to do with personal issues. She aimed to create chaos, shake the security in the country and terrorise people in the UAE,” Shaikh Saif said. The use of the term “terrorise people” by Shaikh Saif provides clear evidence that the murder of the US teacher was unique and had nothing to do with ordinary crimes that may occur at any moment and in any place as a result of a personal dispute or with the intent of assaulting, robbing or avenging or for any other motive. Other criminal motives are one thing, but the motive to terrorise innocent people is something else. It is totally different as was underlined by Shaikh Saif.
And that is the bottom line. An act of crime is generally committed with the aim of exacting some kind of a personal gain or with the intention of pleasing oneself. But in this case, the crime was committed intentionally to terrorise people and spark fears of terrorism among them. As such, the latter act should not be considered merely as a “criminal” act, but it must be classified with acts that cause corruption on Earth or those that spark strife. Such types of crimes warrant the most severe penalty, under all religions, in order to ensure that the punishment is exemplary. An approach of meting out the most severe punishment must be embraced by governments to protect innocent people against abusers and corrupters as well as against criminals who trigger strife, chaos and unrest.
By unveiling the details of the crime through the country’s top security official and its Interior Minister, the UAE was sending a clear message. The UAE wanted to show that the country, which has in less than half a century become a role model for success, progress and development and an example to be emulated by others, cannot be intimidated by those who think that they can shake its security and stability or tamper with the destiny of its citizens. Succumbing to provocation, blackmailing and terrorism have never been characteristics of the UAE.
Obviously, the “Al Reem Ghost” crime is not a self-motivated one, but is more likely linked to the UAE’s position concerning many humanitarian issues beyond its borders, as referred to by Shaikh Saif directly. Shaikh Saif firmly noted that the UAE would not change its stand and beliefs because of such desperate attempts by terrorists, extremists or racists, who want to create terror in the hearts of innocent citizens and residents. On the contrary, such acts of terrorism and heinous crime will strengthen the UAE’s resolve and determination to remain committed to its noble humanitarian principles. In fact, the UAE defends human values. And to realise this principle, standing in the path of those who are against human values, justice and others’ rights is a must.
This was undoubtedly manifest in Shaikh Saif’s words. He made it very clear that “the UAE vigorously defends humanity and the values of justice, both on its own soil and outside its borders and certainly we all stand united to defend these values in our country”.
This is the significance of the message that Shaikh Saif wanted to convey to those who have destructive thoughts and are still living in the dark ages and in a time of ignorance and backwardness. They have nothing to do with human values.
The UAE’s humanitarian stand is rooted in its strong faith and belief in all principles reflected in the divine books and in religions.
There is no doubt that the murder of the US school teacher in Al Reem Island is a disgusting, heinous crime. However, it is surely just a bubble that will not prevent the UAE from pressing ahead on the path of rights and human justice. This is simply because the convoy will move on, regardless of the barking of some dogs.
Neither Emirati citizens nor foreign residents will be afraid of such acts. And stability and security in the UAE will not be affected by some dirty deeds that will soon become a thing of the past.
The message, which was intended by this act, has not reached its target. And the UAE’s reaction is a highly civilised response based on noble human values. Concluding his press conference, Shaikh Saif stressed that the UAE would do its utmost and maintain its high level of security to protect all its residents. This is the message the UAE wants to convey to terrorists and the entire world.
