Case against Dubai pro-Hazare activists dropped, lawyer says

Prosecutors have dropped the case against five Indian men who organised a march in support of the anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, the men's lawyer said.

DUBAI // Prosecutors today dropped the case against five pro Anna Hazare activists who organised a march in support of the anti-corruption movement in India in September, according to the lawyer of the accused men.

The organisers of the walk at Al Mamzar Beach Park were arrested by the police halfway through the late evening walk, which saw a turnout of more than 150 Indian nationals.

“The prosecution has dropped the case,” Hashik TK, the legal representative of the five accused men, said. “There was no intention against the security of the state. The intention was only to support the anti-corruption movement in India. We should obey the laws of the land.”

The men had been accused of using technology to organise the 3km walk in support of Mr Hazare, who spearheaded India’s anti-graft movement. The walk had been organised through the social networking site, Facebook. Initially, two of the main organisers were arrested, followed by the arrest of three more.

"I am relieved the case has been dropped," said one of the main organisers. "I wish I had taken permission and I wish I had not burdened so many people. We should respect the laws of the land."