Statement by the Spokesperson on the passing of Alia Abdulnour in the UAE

The UAE Public Prosecution confirmed that Alia Abdulnour, a 39 year old Emirati national convicted on terrorism charges and who was suffering with breast cancer, passed away on 4 May while in confinement.

The EU has been among the international actors repeatedly reaching out to the Emirati authorities on her case. Requests for clarification on the charges against her and on allegations of her degrading treatment and alleged torture during detention have not received a satisfactory response. The calls made for her release, including to allow her to live her last days in dignity and with her family at home on the grounds of her deteriorating health, were not heard, despite provisions in UAE legislation that would have permitted this.

The EU would like to recall the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment as codified in the specific UN Convention to which the UAE is a party. The EU would also like to stress, as did the UN Special Rapporteurs in a recent communication to the UAE authorities, that international human rights law and standards require UAE to treat all people under any form of detention or imprisonment in a humane manner and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human being