Another individual linked to free Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah campaign detained in UAE

UAE continues crackdown on free Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah activists The wife of Muhammad Saqer a campaigner against the continued detention of political prisoners in the UAE, including Qatari doctor Mahmoud al-Jaidah was detained by security officers in Abu Dhabi on Friday 10th January. She was with her 2 year old son at the time who was then taken into custody by a grandfather. Mr Saqer, a former prosecutor in the UAE, has been a central part of the campaign for the release of political prisoners held in the UAE and has spoken several times about the case of Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah, appearing in a video explaining the circumstances of the latter's detention. Mr. Saqer currently lives in exile in London. Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah, a Qatari national was detained in February 2013 and subsequently tortured by UAE security officers. He denies charges that he is part of al-Islah, a UAE reform group. His detention has led to a world-wide campaign demanding his release, which includes a video that has gone viral in the Arab world. This is the second time an individual linked to the al-Jaidah case has been detained in the UAE in as many months. Last month Abdur-Rahman al-Jaidah - the son of Mahmoud of al-Jaidah - was detained by UAE authorities and tortured. " It is believed that this was in retaliation for the popular campaign mounted by the family to demand his father's release, specifically the video produced by CAGE about the case, which Abdul Rahman was extensively questioned about."   Moazzam Begg, Outreach Director of CAGE said: ‘Despite the peaceful means being used to highlight the plight of political prisoners in the Emirates – including the case of Dr. al-Jaidah, the UAE authorities have again resorted to brutal measures in order to suppress dissent. Forcibly removing a woman from her home and separating mother from child because of the legitimate activism of her husband, is something that should be roundly condemned.’ [ENDS] NOTES:

1.  CAGE is an independent advocacy group that works to empower communities affected by the war on terror and to highlight abuses of prisoners’ rights
2.  To learn more about the case of Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah please visit our dedicated website and see this article.
3.  A campaign video explaining the background to the arbitrary detention and torture of Dr Mahmoud al-jaidah can be seen here.
4.  Please contact us if you would like to arrange an interview with members of the free Dr Mahmoud al-Jaidah campaign, including family members.

Press Enquiries: Amandla Thomas-Johnson Tel: +44(0)7414777094 Email: \amandla@cageprisoners.com