Human rights defender Mohammed al-Zaabi sentenced in abstentia to life imprisonment in the “UAE84” mass trial
Name(s):
Mohammed Saqer al-Zaabi
Status:
Self-imposed exile
Profession:
Former Public Prosecutor and head of the Jurists Association
Nationality:
Emirati
Mohammed Saqer al-Zaabi is an Emirati human rights defender. In 2013, together with the other members of the group known as the “UAE94”, al-Zaabi was convicted in absentia to 15 years of prison based on vague national security-related charges by the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. On September 12, 2021, al-Zaabi was included in the government’s terror list. He is currently living in exile in the UK. On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, before which al-Zaabi was sentenced in abstentia to life imprisonment for new terrorism charges.
Mohammed Saqer al-Zaabi is a former Public Prosecutor and head of the Jurists Association in the UAE. He was also member of the Reform and Social Guidance Association (al-Islah), an association that had been operating in the UAE since 1974 but was banned by the authorities in March 2014.
Al-Zaabi belongs to the UAE 94, a group of Emirati scholars, activists, lawyers, doctors and human rights defenders who were put on mass trial in 2013, after signing a petition calling for greater democratic reforms within the Emirates, including the establishment of democratic elections for all members of the Federal National Council.
On July 2, 2013, al-Zaabi was convicted in absentia to 15 years of prison based on vague national security-related charges by the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.
On September 13, 2021, the UAE Cabinet issued Resolution No. 83 of 2021, designating 38 individuals, including al-Zaabi, and 15 entities on its national terrorism list.
On September 15, 2021, MENA Rights Group submitted an urgent appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders. Following our urgent appeal, on January 25, 2022, mandate holders of the UN Special Procedures issued a communication to the UAE authorities concerning al-Zaabi. In it, they expressed grave concerns about the inclusion of al-Zaabi on the Government’s terrorist list, as the reason he was on it was because of his legitimate human rights activities.
On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, involving 87 defendants. In the inaugural hearing, the charges against al-Zaabi and his co-defendants were read out, with al-Zaabi in absentia. Al-Zaabi and others are charged with new terrorism crimes, namely, for establishing another clandestine organisation for the purpose of committing acts of violence and terrorism on UAE soil.
The second hearing tool place on December 14, 2023, featuring three members of the SSA as witnesses for the Public Prosecution Office (PPO).
On December 19, 2023, MENA Rights Group and EDAC requested the urgent intervention of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
The third hearing took place on December 21, 2023, and the entire trial was conducted secretly, with a notable absence of local media coverage.
On January 6, 2024, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) publicly announced that the UAE Attorney General had referred 84 defendants to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security) in Case No. 87 of 2023, alleging the establishment and management of a clandestine organisation known as the “Justice and Dignity Committee.”
The proceedings continued in secrecy, with no meaningful public scrutiny and repeated concerns regarding due process and fair trial rights. On January 11, 2024, the fourth hearing reportedly took place with no media coverage, amid allegations of torture and ill-treatment reported by EDAC.
On May 10, 2024, WAM reported that the court set July 10, 2024 as the date to deliver its verdict, following a hearing in which defence submissions and pleadings were heard.
On July 10, 2024, the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeals Court (State Security) issued its verdict and sentenced dozens of defendants to lengthy prison terms. According to WAM, the court convicted 53 defendants, sentencing 43 to life imprisonment, and imposed additional prison terms and heavy fines in connection with allegations including the establishment of the “Justice and Dignity Committee” and related financing activities. Al-Zaabi was sentenced to life imprisonment.
On March 4, 2025, the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court rejected the appeal, formed by 53 defendants, thereby upholding the 43 life sentences, five sentences of 15 years and five sentences of 10 years.
On June 26, 2025, the Criminal Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court overturned the earlier judgment from July 10, 2024 and increased the number of life imprisonment sentences to 67. Accordingly, the final judgment provides 67 life sentences, five sentences of 15 years, five sentences of 10 years, one acquittal and the conviction of six institutions with their assets confiscated.
UN experts have repeatedly expressed serious concerns regarding the UAE84 case, including calls on Emirati authorities to refrain from prosecuting the defendants on grounds of incompatibility with international human rights standards. Following the imposition of life sentences, experts expressed dismay over the severity of the sentences handed down. Further alarm has since been raised over the prolonged arbitrary detention and alleged ill-treatment of individuals implicated in the case.
| Name(s): |
Mohammed Saqer al-Zaabi
|
| Status: |
Self-imposed exile
|
| Profession: |
Former Public Prosecutor and head of the Jurists Association
|
| Nationality: |
Emirati
|
Mohammed Saqer al-Zaabi is a former Public Prosecutor and head of the Jurists Association in the UAE. He was also member of the Reform and Social Guidance Association (al-Islah), an association that had been operating in the UAE since 1974 but was banned by the authorities in March 2014.
Al-Zaabi belongs to the UAE 94, a group of Emirati scholars, activists, lawyers, doctors and human rights defenders who were put on mass trial in 2013, after signing a petition calling for greater democratic reforms within the Emirates, including the establishment of democratic elections for all members of the Federal National Council.
On July 2, 2013, al-Zaabi was convicted in absentia to 15 years of prison based on vague national security-related charges by the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.
On September 13, 2021, the UAE Cabinet issued Resolution No. 83 of 2021, designating 38 individuals, including al-Zaabi, and 15 entities on its national terrorism list.
On September 15, 2021, MENA Rights Group submitted an urgent appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders. Following our urgent appeal, on January 25, 2022, mandate holders of the UN Special Procedures issued a communication to the UAE authorities concerning al-Zaabi. In it, they expressed grave concerns about the inclusion of al-Zaabi on the Government’s terrorist list, as the reason he was on it was because of his legitimate human rights activities.
On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, involving 87 defendants. In the inaugural hearing, the charges against al-Zaabi and his co-defendants were read out, with al-Zaabi in absentia. Al-Zaabi and others are charged with new terrorism crimes, namely, for establishing another clandestine organisation for the purpose of committing acts of violence and terrorism on UAE soil.
The second hearing tool place on December 14, 2023, featuring three members of the SSA as witnesses for the Public Prosecution Office (PPO).
On December 19, 2023, MENA Rights Group and EDAC requested the urgent intervention of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
The third hearing took place on December 21, 2023, and the entire trial was conducted secretly, with a notable absence of local media coverage.
On January 6, 2024, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) publicly announced that the UAE Attorney General had referred 84 defendants to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security) in Case No. 87 of 2023, alleging the establishment and management of a clandestine organisation known as the “Justice and Dignity Committee.”
The proceedings continued in secrecy, with no meaningful public scrutiny and repeated concerns regarding due process and fair trial rights. On January 11, 2024, the fourth hearing reportedly took place with no media coverage, amid allegations of torture and ill-treatment reported by EDAC.
On May 10, 2024, WAM reported that the court set July 10, 2024 as the date to deliver its verdict, following a hearing in which defence submissions and pleadings were heard.
On July 10, 2024, the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeals Court (State Security) issued its verdict and sentenced dozens of defendants to lengthy prison terms. According to WAM, the court convicted 53 defendants, sentencing 43 to life imprisonment, and imposed additional prison terms and heavy fines in connection with allegations including the establishment of the “Justice and Dignity Committee” and related financing activities. Al-Zaabi was sentenced to life imprisonment.
On March 4, 2025, the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court rejected the appeal, formed by 53 defendants, thereby upholding the 43 life sentences, five sentences of 15 years and five sentences of 10 years.
On June 26, 2025, the Criminal Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court overturned the earlier judgment from July 10, 2024 and increased the number of life imprisonment sentences to 67. Accordingly, the final judgment provides 67 life sentences, five sentences of 15 years, five sentences of 10 years, one acquittal and the conviction of six institutions with their assets confiscated.
UN experts have repeatedly expressed serious concerns regarding the UAE84 case, including calls on Emirati authorities to refrain from prosecuting the defendants on grounds of incompatibility with international human rights standards. Following the imposition of life sentences, experts expressed dismay over the severity of the sentences handed down. Further alarm has since been raised over the prolonged arbitrary detention and alleged ill-treatment of individuals implicated in the case.
