“Terrorism Case Involving 84 Defendants Adjourned Until April 18”

The State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeals Court has adjourned the hearing in Case No.87 of 2023-State Security Offences, involving the terrorist ‘Justice and Dignity Committee Organisation’ to April 18, in order to complete hearing pleas of the defence.

Eighty-four defendants stand accused in this case of establishing and managing a clandestine terrorist organisation in the UAE known as the ‘Justice and Dignity Committee’. The charges against them include planning terrorist acts, fundraising for the Organisation, and concealing the source and destination of those funds.

During the session held on Thursday, which was attended by the defendants’ families and media representatives, the court heard over three and a half hours of defence arguments.

The lawyers for the accused challenged the validity of the charges presented by the Prosecution and contested the evidence submitted, including the investigations and technical and financial reports.

They argued that these reports relied heavily on analysis, leaving room for doubt and uncertainty. They demanded the acquittal and release of their clients, noting to the absence of criminal intent due to their clients’ lack of knowledge of the organisation’s true intentions.