Human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor facing new terrorism charges in "UAE84" trial
Name(s):
Ahmed Mansoor
Status:
Detained
Year of birth:
1969
Profession:
Electrical engineer and poet
Nationality:
Emirati
Date of arrest:
On March 20, 2017, Ahmed Mansoor was arrested in his home and subsequently disappeared and held in an unknown location by Emirati security forces. On May 29, 2018 Mansoor was sentenced, on charges relating to his human rights activism, to ten years imprisonment, a fine and probation terms. He is currently being detained at al-Sadr prison where he is held in solitary confinement, in an isolation ward, for prolonged periods. On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, where Mansoor is being retried for new terrorism charges.
Ahmed Mansoor is a prominent human rights defender who has experienced physical assaults, death threats, and government surveillance. Since 2011, he has been subject to a travel ban.
On August 27, 2014, the UN Secretary-General raised Mansoor’s case in the 2014 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On March 20, 2017 Mr Mansoor was arrested, without a warrant, by Emirati security forces, who searched his home and confiscated laptops and other equipment. He was subsequently disappeared by the authorities, which failed to reveal his whereabouts for over one year. During this period he was detained at Al Wathba prison, where he suffered from torture and ill-treatment. On March 27, 2017, three UN special procedures mandate holders urged the authorities to immediately reveal his whereabouts.
On September 20, 2017, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2017 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On May 29, 2018, Mansoor was sentenced to ten years imprisonment, a fine of 1,000,000 UAE Dirhams, and three years of probation after the completion of his sentence. He was sentenced, under the 2012 Cybercrime Law, on vague charges relating to his activism, including “insulting the status and prestige of the UAE and its symbols, including its leaders”, “publishing false information to damage the UAE’s reputation abroad” and “portraying the UAE as a lawless land.” On June 12, 2018, seven UN special procedures mandate holders called on the Emirati authorities for Mr Mansoor’s immediate release. The State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court upheld his conviction and sentence on December 31, 2018.
On September 19, 2018, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2018 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
Since his trial began Mansoor has been subjected to long periods of solitary confinement in Al Sadr prison in Abu Dhabi. Initially, he was detained with no bed or water in his cell and with no access to a shower. Visits were rarely offered and he failed to receive adequate medical attention. On March 17, 2019, Mansoor began a hunger strike against his prison conditions and unfair trial. The hunger strike lasted one month, during which his health deteriorated significantly. On May 7, 2019, seven UN special procedures mandate holders condemned Mansoor’s prison conditions and called for his immediate release.
In early September 2019, in protest against his conditions, Mansoor began his second hunger strike. At the beginning, he was forced by the guards to eat every few days, however, from September 14, 2019 onwards, he began a continuous hunger strike, taking only juice and mineral water. Reports indicate that the hunger strike has continued for at least five months. Mansoor’s current state of wellbeing is unknown.
On September 19, 2019, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2019 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On May 1, 2020, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 30, 2020, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2020 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On April 15, 2021, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 29, 2021, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2021 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On April 15, 2022, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 29, 2022, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2022 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, involving 84 defendants. In the inaugural hearing, the charges against Mansoor and his co-defendants were read out, with their reported attendance. Mansoor 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 took place on December 14, 2023, where three members of the SSA appeared 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, including Mansoor, 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 April 15, 2024, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
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. Mansoor was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
On September 26, 2024, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2024 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
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 April 25, 2025, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
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.
On September 24, 2025, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2025 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
| Name(s): |
Ahmed Mansoor
|
| Status: |
Detained
|
| Year of birth: |
1969
|
| Profession: |
Electrical engineer and poet
|
| Nationality: |
Emirati
|
| Date of arrest: |
|
Ahmed Mansoor is a prominent human rights defender who has experienced physical assaults, death threats, and government surveillance. Since 2011, he has been subject to a travel ban.
On August 27, 2014, the UN Secretary-General raised Mansoor’s case in the 2014 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On March 20, 2017 Mr Mansoor was arrested, without a warrant, by Emirati security forces, who searched his home and confiscated laptops and other equipment. He was subsequently disappeared by the authorities, which failed to reveal his whereabouts for over one year. During this period he was detained at Al Wathba prison, where he suffered from torture and ill-treatment. On March 27, 2017, three UN special procedures mandate holders urged the authorities to immediately reveal his whereabouts.
On September 20, 2017, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2017 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On May 29, 2018, Mansoor was sentenced to ten years imprisonment, a fine of 1,000,000 UAE Dirhams, and three years of probation after the completion of his sentence. He was sentenced, under the 2012 Cybercrime Law, on vague charges relating to his activism, including “insulting the status and prestige of the UAE and its symbols, including its leaders”, “publishing false information to damage the UAE’s reputation abroad” and “portraying the UAE as a lawless land.” On June 12, 2018, seven UN special procedures mandate holders called on the Emirati authorities for Mr Mansoor’s immediate release. The State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court upheld his conviction and sentence on December 31, 2018.
On September 19, 2018, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2018 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
Since his trial began Mansoor has been subjected to long periods of solitary confinement in Al Sadr prison in Abu Dhabi. Initially, he was detained with no bed or water in his cell and with no access to a shower. Visits were rarely offered and he failed to receive adequate medical attention. On March 17, 2019, Mansoor began a hunger strike against his prison conditions and unfair trial. The hunger strike lasted one month, during which his health deteriorated significantly. On May 7, 2019, seven UN special procedures mandate holders condemned Mansoor’s prison conditions and called for his immediate release.
In early September 2019, in protest against his conditions, Mansoor began his second hunger strike. At the beginning, he was forced by the guards to eat every few days, however, from September 14, 2019 onwards, he began a continuous hunger strike, taking only juice and mineral water. Reports indicate that the hunger strike has continued for at least five months. Mansoor’s current state of wellbeing is unknown.
On September 19, 2019, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2019 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On May 1, 2020, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 30, 2020, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2020 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On April 15, 2021, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 29, 2021, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2021 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On April 15, 2022, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
On September 29, 2022, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2022 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
On December 7, 2023, a new mass trial began before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, involving 84 defendants. In the inaugural hearing, the charges against Mansoor and his co-defendants were read out, with their reported attendance. Mansoor 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 took place on December 14, 2023, where three members of the SSA appeared 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, including Mansoor, 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 April 15, 2024, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
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. Mansoor was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
On September 26, 2024, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2024 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
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 April 25, 2025, MENA Rights Group referred the case to the UN Secretary-General ahead of the preparation of the annual report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights.
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.
On September 24, 2025, the UN Secretary-General raised the case in the 2025 report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights.
