In 2017, Gherson wrote a blog focused on Red Notice abuse in the Middle East involving INTERPOL and unfunded/bounced cheques.
A further blog highlighted how the INTERPOL Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files had taken the unusual step of publishing one of its decisions on the issue. Most recently, Gherson have described how the firm secured the deletion of a Red Notice issued by the UAE.
This week, the United Arab Emirates sentenced 43 political and human rights activists to life in prison on terrorism charges, a move condemned by human rights groups.
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal convicted 53 people, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency. Out of these, 43 received life sentences, while 10 were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. Human rights groups argue that these individuals were activists, critics of the government and democracy supporters.
This mass trial, the second largest in UAE history, began during the UN COP28 climate conference last year. Many of the 80+ defendants had already been in prison for over a decade since their initial 2013 trial. Human rights lawyer Mohammed al-Roken, who had been arrested in 2012 and had already served a 10-year sentence, was among those given a life sentence.
Joey Shea from Human Rights Watch criticised the trial as a severe miscarriage of justice, citing due process violations and torture allegations. Mohamed al-Zaabi from the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Centre called the trial a “facade.”
The UAE defends its strict security measures as necessary for maintaining stability and avoiding the unrest seen in other Middle Eastern countries. However, human rights organisations argue that such trials damage the UAE’s image and raise serious concerns about justice and fairness. They point to issues such as secretive legal processes, lack of access to evidence for defence lawyers and reports of solitary confinement.
Legal tensions growing in the UAE:
The team at Gherson have previously written several articles addressing specific concerns in the Middle East:
- Interpol Enhances Transnational Financial Crime-fighting Capabilities – Individuals and Corporates Beware
- INTERPOL and unfunded cheques – an update
- Gherson LLP secures INTERPOL Red Notice deletion
While the UAE is known for its rapid development and modernisation, it also faces significant criticism regarding its extradition process and human rights record. Reports from international organisations highlight issues, such as arbitrary detention, lack of due process and allegations of torture and ill-treatment in custody.
How Gherson can help
At Gherson we recognise the complexity and sensitivity of human rights cases, especially in countries with stringent laws and legal systems. If you face similar challenges or fear outstanding issues in that region, our expert legal team is here to help:
Extradition Cases: For clients facing extradition to the UAE, we offer robust defence strategies. Our experienced legal team will assess the validity of the extradition request, challenge any procedural irregularities, and advocate for the client’s rights under international law. We work closely with authorities in both the UK and UAE to ensure that due process is followed and to negotiate favourable outcomes.
INTERPOL Notices: Those who fear that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice from the UAE, should take heed. Gherson continues to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear they may have outstanding financial issues arising. Our advice includes addressing:
- How to best approach a possible INTERPOL Red Notice;
- Preparing for potential criminal proceedings/extradition requests;
- Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
- Exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.
Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Red Notice):
INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice.
Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL-related matters, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, or send us an e-mail. Don’t forget to follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2024