UAE Enhances Security Powers, Escalates Repressive Control

Human rights organizations assert that the UAE regime’s plan to expand the powers of its security services, particularly the State Security Apparatus, strengthens the mechanisms of repression and tyranny, blatantly violating international conventions and laws protecting human rights.

This claim is supported in a report by Americans for Democracy and Human Rights titled “Fifty Years since the Establishment of the UAE State Security Apparatus: A Look at Years of Repression and Lies.”

The report details how the State Security Apparatus (SSA), established by federal decree on June 10, 1974, was ostensibly created to “protect the security of the state” but has been predominantly used to silence opposition, especially since the Arab Spring in 2011.

Initially, the State Security Apparatus was under the Ministry of Interior’s jurisdiction. However, two years later, the law was amended, placing it directly under the head of state and requiring Public Prosecution approval for arrests.

This amendment expanded its responsibilities and bolstered its role in safeguarding state officials from espionage and assassination attempts.

In 2003, a new law was introduced for the State Security Service, which was further revised in 2011, significantly transforming the agency’s authority and function. The most notable change permits the State Security Service to act without judicial authorization, resulting in numerous unlawful arrests that contravene international law.

According to the organization, it is important to note that the State Security Apparatus Law of 2003 and its 2011 amendments were never published by the UAE government. This violates Article 11 of the country’s constitution, which requires that all laws be published in the Official State Gazette within two weeks of the date of issuance.

The UAE government misled the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers in 2015 by saying that these laws were available in the Official Gazette.

The UAE Detainee Advocacy Center, a human rights organization, obtained a copy of the 2003 law and posted it online, making it the only known public version.

The 2011 amendments have not yet been circulated to the public. This lack of transparency means that the public does not know the laws governing the operations of the state security apparatus. Secrecy and disinformation are therefore the essence of this repressive tool.

The UN Committee against Torture has expressed concern about the ambiguous terminology in the 2003 law, noting that the lack of transparency is of major concern.

Article 14 of the law permits the investigation of any individual or organization suspected of being a threat to the state. Furthermore, Article 13 grants the State Security Agency the authority to extend its jurisdiction beyond the UAE, endangering human rights defenders worldwide with the risk of unlawful persecution.

Moreover, Article 19 allows the State Security Service to access any information, even if it is personal, without the need to justify it. This means that the official body can use personal data to illegally track and detain innocent people.

The State Security Agency also has the authority to investigate terrorism cases under the Anti-Terrorism Law. In 2013, the agency was involved in the arrest and torture of dozens of people who signed a petition calling for democratic reforms.

It was part of the case known as “UAE-94”, in which the state tried 94 detainees in the largest trial in the country’s history. UN experts have criticized the UAE for violating international human rights standards through its security and counter-terrorism laws. Despite this, the State Security Service continues to abuse its power and arrest innocent opponents.

The State Security Service’s authority exceeds its original jurisdiction and fails to meet international standards. Beyond its investigative and arrest powers, it can arbitrarily impose travel bans, revoke citizenship and driving licenses, and dismiss individuals from their employment.

The organization warned that it is not clear why the State Security Agency has these powers, especially since there is no need to provide detailed reasons for imposing these sanctions.

Furthermore, there are reports that judges without criminal charges require approval from the State Security Service for their appointment.

As a result, the State Security Agency, intended to be under Public Prosecution oversight, interferes in judicial matters and disregards due process. This creates issues of transparency and integrity.

The organization emphasized the urgent need to address impunity for violations committed by the UAE State Security Administration. It warned that without judicial oversight, the agency could persist in violating human rights by unlawfully detaining individuals and falsely accusing them of terrorism.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights called for a re-evaluation of the state security apparatus and anti-terrorism laws so that they comply with international human rights standards.

It also stressed that the UAE must publish the 2011 amendments to ensure that everyone is aware of how the state security apparatus works. If these amendments violate international law, they must be reviewed again to ensure that they do not violate any rights.