Abu Dhabi court adjourns case of 84 facing terror charges

The next hearing of a case involving 84 people charged with establishing and managing a terrorist organisation in the UAE, has been adjourned to May 2.

The State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal postponed the proceedings in order to finish hearing the defence pleas and the defendants’ response to the prosecution's arguments.

The 84 defendants are accused of setting up and managing a clandestine terrorist organisation known as the 'Justice and Dignity Committee'.

The charges against them also include planning terrorist acts, fundraising for the organisation and concealing the source and destination of those funds.

During Thursday's session, attended by the defendants' families and media representatives, the court heard over three hours of defence arguments, during which the lawyers for the accused said that the court lacked jurisdiction, citing a prior judgment in a previous case - Case No. 79 of 2012.

This formed a fundamental aspect of their defence strategy, which all defendants endorsed. They also challenged the validity of the charges presented by the prosecution and contested the evidence submitted.

In response, the prosecution reaffirmed their position that the current charges are distinct from those in the prior case, as they involve demonstrably criminal actions. Notably, the financing of a terrorist organisation was not encompassed in the previous trial.

Abu Dhabi Court adjourns hearing in case of terrorist 'Justice and Dignity Committee' Organisation to 2 May#WamNews https://t.co/LkmJvxp7Gm pic.twitter.com/BuHRXY4k7F

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 26, 2024