Front Line is concerned following reports that human rights defender Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori was arrested in Abu-Dhabi on 7 June 2009, and also continues to be the subject of a travel ban.

Further Information

Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori is a prominent human rights activist and lawyer, and member of the Jurists' Association in the United Arab Emirates. Recently, Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori publicly denounced the new law restricting freedom of the press, the policy of acquiring security approval before employing or promoting any citizen in the public sector, and the eviction of the Jurists' Association from its premises. Front Line previously issued an appeal concerning Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori on 30 August 2006.

On 7 June 2009, at approximately 5 am, Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori was arrested by the Ras-Al-Khayma police and handed over to the Abu-Dhabi police who took him to the General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) in Abu-Dhabi. Ahmad Redha, a consultant at the GPO, dealt with his case. At about 2.30pm, Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori was released on bail, on the condition that he fully comply if ever summoned again. He was not shown any arrest warrant, he was not interrogated at any point and at no time was he explained why he had been arrested.

It is also of concern that Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori has been the subject of a travel ban since 23 October 2007 and had his passport confiscated on 8 March 2008.

Front line believes that Dr Mohammed al-Mansoori is being targeted because of his peaceful and legitimate activities in defence of human rights, in particular his work in relation to civil and political rights, including freedom of the press.