UAE orders a trial of Bangladeshi nationals arrested for protesting their home government

Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates ordered an investigation and an expedited trial of Bangladeshi nationals arrested after protesting against their home government across the Gulf country. The protests in the UAE came after weeks of demonstrations in Bangladesh against a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971. The state-owned Emirates News Agency said the indictments issued Saturday against the Bangladeshis including charges of gathering in public to protest “with the intent to incite unrest,” obstructing law enforcement and damaging property. They were detained pending further investigation.