ABU DHABI: The trial of 94 UAE dissidents accused of plotting to seize power in the Gulf state resumed yesterday as rights groups urged Britain to pressure the visiting Emirati president on their behalf.

Only 86 defendants, including 13 women, were present at the top state security court, WAM state news agency reported. The rest are being tried in absentia.

The hearing was adjourned until Monday after the court panel listened to defense testimony.

Foreign press and rights groups are not allowed access to the trial, but 143 relatives of the defendants, as well as 21 Emirati journalists and representatives of two local rights groups, were present.

Attorney General Salem Kobaish said they would be tried for "having created and led a movement aimed at opposing the basic foundations on which the state's political system is built and at seizing power."