UAE trial of 94 accused of coup plot begins

Ninety-four people, including 13 women, today went on trial in the United Arab Emirates on charges of belonging to a "secret" illegal organisation trying to overthrow the government.
The UAE's State Security Department of the Federal Supreme Court held its first session to hear the case of 94 individuals charged with belonging to a secret illegal organisation, which was uncovered through investigations, it has been announced.
According to a statement released by the country's Ministry of Justice, the defendants have been referred to trial.
Out of the 94 individuals 13 are women and 10 are at large outside the UAE and are being tried in absentia.

The statement, released by the UAE's official news agency Wam, said today's session was limited to procedural due process, to confirm the attendance of the defendants along with their respective defence lawyers.
"The Public Prosecution read out the specific charges against the defendants and asked the Court to hand down to the defendants the penalties stipulated by the law under which they are charged," said the statement.

The group allegedly aimed to oppose the basic principles of the country's system of government in order to seize power as well as with contacting foreign groups and entities with the aim of executing this plan.

At the end of this session, the Court decided to adjourn the case to another session on March 11.
Family members of the defendants, representatives of the UAE Human Rights Association, the UAE Legal and Lawyers Association, the UAE Journalists Association, the UAE Writers Association, the Social Workers Association as well as representatives of local news organisations attended the trial.
The Court confirmed that all guarantees for the defendants which are stated in the Constitution and law, in accordance with the highest standards to ensure a fair and just trial, are being provided.