World

Abu Dhabi [United Arab Emirates], July 11: A court in the United Arab Emirates has handed life sentences to more than 40 political activists after finding them guilty of terror offences. State media said the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal convicted the defendants for creating a terrorist organisation.
United Nations experts and rights groups have severely criticised the mass trial. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said more than 80 people - known as the "UAE 84" - were put on trial.
Last January, the UAE's prosecutor general referred the defendants to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on charges of "forming a clandestine organisation for the purpose of carrying out acts of terror and violence" in the country. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune