UAE refutes Human Rights Watch claim over Emirati Ahmed Mansoor

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has refuted allegations by Human Rights Watch concerning the welfare of Emirati Ahmed Mansoor.

According to a report carried by state-run news agency WAM, the ministry added that claims raised by Human Rights Watch are categorically untrue and have previously and repeatedly been proven to be false.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Saeed Rashed Al Hebsi, director of the Human Rights Department at the MoFAIC, added that the claims published by Human Rights Watch repeat allegations that originated from unverified sources.

Al Hebsi noted, “The UAE maintains an unwavering commitment to and respect for human rights as put forth by the country’s legislations and continues to cooperate with the United Nations and international partners in this regard.”

With regards to Mansoor’s welfare, Al Hebsi stressed that while serving his sentence, Mansoor receives the necessary medical care and examinations and is in good health.

Al Hebsi also said that all measures taken by the UAE judiciary against Mansoor, including the investigation and leveling of charges against him and concluding with the court’s ruling, were all within the legal framework stipulated by relevant national legislation.

In a related statement issued by the Ministry, also reported by WAM on January 1, 2020, it added that the court had appointed a lawyer to represent Mansoor despite his refusal and covered his legal costs.

“The verdict issued by the court against Mansoor came after a careful examination of the crimes committed by the aforementioned, including inciting hatred, disturbing public order and providing several organisations with false information that would damage the reputation and standing of the UAE,” the statement explained.

Mansoor, the Ministry said, also deliberately had spread incorrect and malicious statements and rumors that would “disturb public security and harm the public interest.”

“Accordingly, the Court of First Instance issued a ruling in 2018 to imprison Mansoor for a period of ten years.

“Within the framework of the procedures put in place to uphold his legal rights, Mansoor appealed the verdict before the Federal Supreme Court, which confirmed the ruling previously issued against Mansoor.”