But in a move that stunned the prisoners’ families, the men were all prosecuted again, the majority sentenced on Wednesday to terms ranging from 10 years to life in prison, dashing their families’ hopes of a long-delayed reunion.
The court dismissed the cases against 24 defendants, the Emirati state news agency said, and acquitted one of them.
The outcomes of the cases against the remaining defendants remained unclear.
“It is something that shocked everyone — for what?” said Ahmed Al Nuaimi, an Emirati dissident living in exile in London.
“Just calling for democracy leads to life in prison?” Mr. Al Nuaimi added.
Persons:
—, ”, Ahmed Al Nuaimi, “, Mr, Al Nuaimi
Organizations:
United Arab Emirates, Justice, Dignity Committee
Locations:
Abu Dhabi, London