Dubai: A rights group says six people convicted of allegedly plotting an Islamist coup in the United Arab Emirates are staging a hunger strike.
The Emirates Centre For Human Rights today said the six were among more than 65 people who received prison sentences of up to 15 years in a mass trial that underscored the widening crackdowns on perceived Arab Spring-inspired dissent across the Gulf region.
Rights groups have accused the UAE of widespread violations, including jailhouse abuses, against those put on trial. The suspects included teachers, lawyers and even a cousin of one of the UAE`s rulers.
The Emirates Centre said five, including prominent rights lawyer Mohamed al Mansoori, went on hunger strike Wednesday over complaints of mistreatment by authorities and a sixth has since joined them.
PTI
