Ahmed Al-Atoum convicted for harming Jordanian political ties

Ahmed al-Atoum, a 49-year-old Jordanian national and former teacher residing in Abu Dhabi, has been at the center of an ongoing human rights controversy since his arrest in May 2020. Al-Atoum’s activism and outspoken criticism of Jordanian authorities and state corruption led to his incarceration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he had been living for approximately five years prior to his arrest.

Unjust Imprisonment and Flawed Trial

Al-Atoum’s ordeal began when he was apprehended by members of the UAE State Security Apparatus (SSA) in Abu Dhabi on May 14, 2020. Following his arrest, he was subjected to incommunicado detention and endured prolonged periods of solitary confinement, during which he was denied access to legal representation and contact with his family. The lack of due process and transparency in his trial further exacerbated concerns regarding the fairness of the legal proceedings.

Despite calls from international human rights organizations for a fair trial, including from MENA Rights Group, Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center (EDAC), Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, al-Atoum’s case has been characterized by systemic flaws and violations of his basic rights.

Violation of Freedom of Expression

The charges leveled against Ahmed al-Atoum under article 166 of the UAE’s penal code highlight a broader pattern of suppressing freedom of expression in the country. This provision, which broadly criminalizes acts deemed detrimental to political relations or the interests of the Emirati state, was used to silence al-Atoum’s dissenting opinions expressed on his Facebook profile.

Al-Atoum’s conviction solely on the basis of his criticism of the Jordanian royal family and government underscores the UAE’s disregard for fundamental human rights principles, particularly the right to freedom of expression. His posts on social media, which addressed allegations of corruption at the monarchy’s level and hinted at repercussions faced by those who reported corruption, were cited as evidence against him.

International Calls for Release

Despite condemnation from human rights organizations and a November 2021 opinion from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declaring al-Atoum’s detention as arbitrary, he remains incarcerated in al-Wathba prison. The recent passing of his mother, without the opportunity for a final farewell due to his unjust imprisonment, has amplified calls for his immediate release.

Emirati authorities have been urged to heed these appeals and reunite al-Atoum with his family, thereby rectifying the injustice he has endured. However, the continued silence and lack of action from UAE officials only serve to exacerbate concerns regarding the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.