I rest my case

What is the UAE afraid of?

Activists accused of criticising Government have first day in court - The National

ABU DHABI // Five activists, arrested on charges of criticising the Government, made their first appearance in court this morning.

Prosecutors and defence lawyers for Ahmed Mansour Ali Abdullah al Abd al Shehi, Nasser Ahmed Khalfan bin Gaith, Fahad Salim Mohammed Salim Dalk, Hassan Ali al Khamis and Ahmed Abdul Khaleq presented requests to the State Security Court in a closed hearing, the lawyers said. The judge will rule tomorrow on those requests, they said.

Although the hearing was private, about 100 people gathered outside the courthouse – some as early as 6am – to show allegiance to the nation's leaders and voice their disagreement with the activists.

The next hearing would be July 18, during which witnesses will be called, the attorneys said.