UAE President Pardons 57 Bangladeshi Protesters in Rare Move

The UAE president has pardoned 57 Bangladeshi citizens sentenced to lengthy prison terms for rare protests against Bangladesh's government. Following an expedited trial, they were convicted of inciting unrest. The pardon coincides with UAE's congratulatory stance towards Bangladesh's new interim leader.

The president of the United Arab Emirates has pardoned 57 Bangladeshi citizens convicted of staging a rare protest against their government in the Gulf country, as reported by state media.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's decision effectively cancels their prison sentences. Those pardoned, initially sentenced by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal in July, will be deported from the UAE, according to WAM reports. The expedited trial saw 57 Bangladeshis convicted for protesting against then-prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and her government amidst unrest in Bangladesh.

Among those convicted, three received life sentences, while 53 were handed 10-year sentences. One Bangladeshi, who had entered the UAE illegally and participated in the protest, was sentenced to 11 years. The Public Prosecution had accused the group of gathering publicly to incite unrest against their home government. Sheikh Mohamed's pardon comes shortly after state media reported his congratulatory message to Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader, following violent protests that led to Hasina's ousting. The UAE, home to a significant Bangladeshi community, offers limited freedom of expression, with protests being a rarity in the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)