CCS wrote a follow-up letter to the government of the United Arab Emirates to protest the detention of Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith, a scholar and lecturer in Economics.
Read the letter:
Our Previous Activity
August 3, 2011
Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum
Co-Chair of the Higher National Security Council
Vice-President and Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
POB 2838, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Fax: +971 (4) 353-1974
Your Highness:
We are an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world. We write now in again grave concern for Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith.
Dr. Ghaith is a scholar and lecturer of economics at the Abu Dhabi branch of France’s Paris-Sorbonne University. According to published reports, state security forces in Dubai detained Dr. bin Ghaith on Sunday, April 10, 2011 and are holding him in “preventive detention.” His trial, which started on July 14, is being held behind closed doors. The charges are based on his peaceful criticisms of the government of the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. bin Ghaith’s detention pending trial appear to be a clear violation of internationally recognized standards of free expression, due process, fair trial and detention, as enshrined in the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many subsequent treaties. Moreover, Dr. bin Ghaith’s detention without bail, especially if it were to continue, would be a serious and unfortunate blow to the many good efforts of the Government and others to develop the Emirates’ reputation and position as a center of knowledge, education and culture.
CCS respectfully urges authorities to intervene in Dr. bin Ghaith’s case, to direct the Government to drop charges that are based entirely on his peaceful speech and to release him. In the meanwhile, we urge you to ensure his well-being his release, including regular access to family, to legal counsel of his choosing and to medical treatment.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz
Paul H. Plotz
Walter Reich
Co-chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Copies to:
His Excellency Lt-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
Minister of Interior
Human Rights Directorate
POB: 398, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Fax: +971-4-398-1119
His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahya
Minister of Foreign Affairs
POB 1, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Fax: +971-4-398-1119
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
3522 International Court, NW, #300
Washington, DC 20008
Fax: 202-243-2432
The Honorable Douglas C. Greene
Charge d’Affaires ad interimU.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates
POB 4009, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Fax: 011-971-2-414-2575
Ms. Mareham Youssef
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
Gulf Affairs
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520