An international legal group based in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Worldwide Lawyers Association (WOLAS), issued a statement regarding the international protection of three Uzbekistan citizens sentenced to death in the UAE. WOLAS lawyers expressed doubts about the transparency of the judicial and investigative processes, the independence of the judiciary, and the observance of the rights of Uzbekistan’s citizens.
The lawyers have requested that the UAE Supreme Court’s Criminal Division annul the death sentences and reconsider the case based on legal, rather than political, standards.
Specifically, attention was drawn to the possibility that “the case was heard in a special court, lacking transparency and adequate legal assistance, with confessions potentially obtained through torture, severe penalties imposed as a symbolic gesture in the fight against terrorism, political pressures, and the context of warming UAE-Israel relations.” Additionally, the WOLAS statement addressed violations of international human rights norms, particularly the right to life, protection from torture, and principles of fair trial.
According to UAE legislation, death penalty sentences are automatically subject to appeal and are referred to the Criminal Division of the Federal Supreme Court for review and decision. Furthermore, in the emirate, the execution of any death penalty requires the signature of the UAE President after judicial review.
WOLAS called on the Uzbekistan government to take a more proactive role in protecting its citizens and urged UN bodies to investigate the situation. The lawyers formally sent their appeal to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE’s Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial or Arbitrary Executions, and the Special Rapporteur on Torture.
In particular, the following recommendations were made to Uzbekistan:
- Fulfill diplomatic obligations to protect its citizens in accordance with international and constitutional responsibilities;
- Strengthen consular involvement by establishing active communication with UAE authorities and ensuring consular assistance;
- Protect citizens from the death penalty by employing all legal means to mitigate their sentences;
- Take serious measures, as inaction could endanger the lives of Uzbekistan citizens in other countries.
The following recommendations were made to the UAE government:
