ABU DHABI // The Federal Court today asked the Interior Ministry to present documents supporting its decision to withdraw the passports of seven men accused of posing a security threat to the country, adjourning the case until the files are presented.
The ministry's defence lawyer Sarah Al Shamsi requested the adjournment to present the documents, which she said were not yet ready.
"This is the last adjournment you will receive, whether you present the documents or not, we will set a date for the verdict next hearing," the judges told her.
The lawyer for the seven men, Dr Mohammed Al Roken, reiterated his argument that the decision was invalid as there had been no presidential decree ordering the withdrawal of citizenship. He added that any such decree would have to be published in the official gazette before being implemented.
In a previous hearing Ms Al Shamsi argued that the Interior Minister had the power to withdraw the passports of any naturalised citizen.
"It is permitted for special reasons for a decision to be made by the minister to refuse granting the passport or renewing it. It is also permitted to withdraw the passport after it has been granted," said Ms Al Shamsi, citing article 41 from federal law number 17 for the year 1972.
The men claim the ministry's withdrawal of their passports and family books in December was illegal because they were born Emirati, rather than being naturalised citizens, as the ministry claims.
hdajani@thenational.ae
