Life Sentence, Dh20 Million Fines for ‘Justice and Dignity Committee’ in Terror Case

 

 

The Abu Dhabi Federal Appeals Court - State Security Department convicted 53 defendants, including leaders and members of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organisation, along with six companies, in Case No. 87 of 2023 – State Security Offences.

Known in the media as the terrorist ‘Justice and Dignity Committee’ Organisation, the case resulted in penalties ranging from life imprisonment to fines of Dh20 million.

The Court sentenced 43 defendants to life imprisonment for establishing, managing and participating in the terrorist ‘Justice and Dignity Committee’ Organisation with the intent to carry out terrorist acts within the country.

Additionally, five defendants were sentenced to 15 years in prison for collaborating with the ‘Reform Call’ Organisation and promoting it through articles and tweets on social media, with prior knowledge of its intentions against the country.

Five more defendants received 10-year prison sentences and fines of Dh10 million each for laundering money obtained through the creation, establishment and financing of a terrorist organisation.

Furthermore, the Court imposed penalties on six companies and their responsible individuals, fining each company Dh20 million, dissolving and closing their headquarters and confiscating their assets, both tangible and intangible.

This includes real estate, equipment and belongings used in the commission of the aforementioned crimes, which involve money laundering by an organised criminal group to finance a terrorist organisation.

The Court dismissed the criminal cases against 24 defendants for cooperating with and financing the organisation, and acquitted one defendant.

The ruling, issued on July 10, stated that the crimes for which the defendants were convicted --establishing and managing the terrorist ‘Justice and Dignity Committee’ Organisation -- were distinct and unrelated to those in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Offences.

The evidence, including confessions, witness testimonies, and technical reports, was sufficient to prove the defendants' commission of the crimes.

‘Reform Call’

The Court confirmed that the defendants were part of the ‘Reform Call’ Organisation (the Muslim Brotherhood, classified as a terrorist organisation), and had aimed to instigate violent events in the country, similar to those in other Arab states.

This included protests and clashes with security forces, leading to deaths, injuries, and the destruction of facilities, which spread panic and terror among the populace, threatening national security, stability, and sovereignty.

The verdict can be appealed before the Federal Supreme Court.

The trial included 10 hearings, during which the Court ensured the defendants’ rights and guarantees were protected as per the law.

Defendants were allowed to choose their attorneys, with an attorney appointed for those who did not.
The Court heard the defences, attorneys’ arguments and reviewed written defence memorandums.

Witnesses' testimonies were heard during public sessions, allowing cross-examination by defendants and their attorneys. The Public Prosecution presented its evidence, including defendants' confessions, state security officers' testimonies and expert reports.

This evidence corroborated the crimes and demonstrated the defendants’ involvement.
The Court emphasised that these crimes were separate from those in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Offences and that the convictions were made according to the laws in effect at the time, adhering to the principles of non-retroactive criminal penalties and double jeopardy.