UAE Jails Bangladesh Nationals Over Protests Against Their Home Gov't
The Facts
Emirati state media reported on Monday that the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal sentenced 57 Bangladesh expatriates to prison over protests held in the United Arab Emirates against the Bangladeshi government.
Three defendants were sentenced to life in prison, while 53 others were handed 10-year prison terms and deportation, and another was sentenced to 11 years in jail and deportation.
The Spin
Narrative A
More than a million hard-working Bangladesh nationals live peacefully in the UAE, abiding by the country's sovereign laws and regulations. So, it's a matter of respect for them to punish the non-resident individuals of the same nationality who commit unlawful acts, including inciting unauthorized public gatherings and protests.
Narrative B
Though appalling, the harshness of these sentences isn't exactly surprising given that the UAE has long had a notable problem with freedom of expression. The one thing that pops out and shows the autocratic nature of the country is how quick its authorities are to crack down on any kind of speech even if the matter has no significance for their country.
