UAE coup plotters’ trial adjourns

The state security court, an affiliate of the Federal Supreme Court, adjourned the case, in which 85 Emiratis have been accused of belonging to a secret organization, to March 18 and 19.
The defendants, allegedly belonging to ‘Hayatona' organization, Arabic for ‘Our Life,’ will remain in custody.
Counselor Judge Falah Al Hajiri presided over the session.
The State Security Department of the Federal Supreme Court yesterday held a second session to consider the case of the individuals charged with belonging to a secret illegal organization, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice yesterday. The court that began at 10:45 a.m held an in-camera session for six defendants upon their request.
The six defendants including the prime suspect, according to the allegations of the public prosecution, had taken up work in the public sector and had been assigned the duties of the back-up committee for external work. The duties of the said committee included preparing the public opinion through incitement in their bid toward gaining power.
The court also ordered that all suspects be referred to a general medical check-up. The statement from the Ministry of Justice added: “85 defendants, including 12 women, appeared in court at today's session, in addition to six representatives of civil society bodies and 21 journalists representing different media organizations.
The total number of the audience, including members of the families of the defendants, inside the courtroom, was 180 persons. Today's session was a continuation of the first session which was held last week. The court heard the defense of the lawyers representing the defendants, and also listened to a number of urgent requests.”
During last the March 4 hearing, the public prosecution had read out the charges which included other indictments such as collecting money to support the activity of the organization. The defendants were also charged with setting up a media committee serving the purposes of the organization.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the UAE Cabinet, presided over by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, passed a law setting up the International Center for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, or Hedaya (‘Guidance’) in Abu Dhabi.