Dubai: The UAE’s legal system was praised after the State Security Court handed out its verdict on Tuesday, an irrevocable judgement that was described as ‘strictly fair’.
The UAE judicial system had the final say in the case that captured local and international attention, according to Essam Eisa Al Humaidan, Dubai’s Attorney- General.
“The fact that the rulings varied between acquittals and different imprisonments strengthens the legal system’s fairness and independence. I cannot say that the judgement represents a precedent in the UAE’s judicial history… on the contrary, we should learn from this experience, especially those non-believers who doubted the impartiality of the legal procedures and expected complete discreetness of the trial. Since law enforcement officers started questioning the suspects, many doubters spread rumours that the case would be surrounded in secrecy,” Al Humaidan told Gulf News on Tuesday.
The State Security Court acquitted 25 suspects and convicted 69 others and handed them different imprisonments varying between three and 15 years in jail.
“Many were surprised by the openness with which the court and its chief judge, Falah Al Hajiri, handled the proceedings and particularly how the trial was covered by the media. The media had full access to the proceedings. The transparency with which the case was handled was convincing to all parties involved, the suspects and their families and lawyers, the media and the public,” added Dubai’s Attorney-General
The varying rulings prove that the defendants’ rights were preserved, their demands were met and that the court studied thoroughly all the evidence brought against the suspects, he added.
“The judgement was completely and strictly fair,” Al Humaidan said.
Advocate Dr Habib Al Mulla said: “First of all I think the court dealt professionally with a very delicate case. The type of the judgement handed down against the defendants is a very clear indication that the court was only driven by evidence brought before it. The merits of the case were that it was free from any influence. It is to be noted that the court didn’t go for the maximum punishment available in the circumstances except for those who absconded … and for those the judgement isn’t final. The whole trial will restart for them once they turn themselves in and return.”
The fact that 25 people were acquitted is an indicator that the court had not pre-determined any outcome, he added.
“Tuesday’s verdict proves the independence of the UAE’s judicial system,” concluded Dr Al Mulla.
Dr Ahmad Bin Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts Department, said: “We believe that the most positive side of the case was that we have an independent system… the litigation process and the trial was highly professional and efficient in terms of procedures. There was full transparency. The society and media were watching closely and observing the standards and procedures, which showed that we have a neutral judicial system that we are proud of.”
Chief Judge Ahmad Ebrahim Saif, of Dubai Courts Department, said the verdict proves and confirms that the UAE judicial system is judicious and independent; particularly as many defendants were acquitted. “The judges handled the case as per the UAE laws and the evidence that prosecutors produced against the suspects. Our judiciary, thanks to God, is independent and not subject to any pressure or interference except the judge’s conscience,” Saif said.
Emirati advocate Mohammad Abdullah Al Buraiki expressed his satisfaction concerning the verdict saying that he believes that the defendants got a fair trial.
“Although I was not directly involved in the case but I was following up on it closely. We have always tried to issue warnings to members of the public through the Public Prosecution against attempting to organise such secret groups. I feel that those convicted got what they deserved while the ones acquitted were indeed innocent of their crimes because of the fair judicial system,” said Al Buraiki.
With additional inputs from Nada Al Taher, Staff Reporter
