UAE rejects ‘one-sided’ Amnesty International report

Amnesty International’s report on the freedom of expression in the UAE was “one-sided and inaccurate,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Amna Al Muhairy, director of the ministry’s Human Rights Department, said the organisation rejected the UAE’s answers to questions raised by them, something that undermined the report’s credibility, reported Wam, the state news agency.

“The UAE regrets that Amnesty International has published a one-sided and inaccurate report,” said Ms Al Muhairy. “The report, based in part on anonymous sources, repeats familiar politically motivated allegations from groups seeking to undermine and overthrow the UAE’s successful model of a stable, peaceful, tolerant and diverse society, which has created economic opportunities for millions of people from all over the world.”

She said the report began its narrative with the political petition but failed to mention that the majority of signatories were not affected by state actions as a result.

Ms Al Muhairy added that the UAE will continue to protect its stability and security against extremist groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

“It is disappointing that the report completely borrows the narrative of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates in its version of the developments it portrays,” she said. “A report of this length and magnitude requires time to review and respond thoughtfully, however, a cursory glance highlights many inaccurate and flawed allegations.”

The UAE Constitution enshrines the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including equality, freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly and association, freedom of religion and belief, the prohibition of torture, the independence of the judiciary, and the right to a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence and the right to counsel, she said.