Man denies membership of UAE Muslim Brotherhood

ABU DHABI // A man accused of joining the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood claimed he had no contact with the banned organisation.

M M A, 50, an Emirati, is on trial at the Federal Supreme Court on charges of joining an organisation that aimed to overthrow the Government.

The defendant was a member of the Brotherhood’s educational committee of Abu Dhabi, the court heard.

In July 2013, 69 men were jailed for being members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

M M A’s lawyer, Hamdan Al Zeyoodi, said the defendant ceased contact with the group when other members began getting arrested.

“He had no contact with the group after he saw the arrests. He only attended meetings but stopped before the verdict was announced and he played no role,” Mr Al Zeyoodi said.

He asked for his client’s acquittal.

The case was adjourned to October 26, when the verdict will be announced.