Alkarama Foundation

While visiting the home of an Emirati friend in Ras Al-Khayma, Mohamed Mostafa, 21 and of Palestinian origin, was arrested by UAE State Security forces on 22 July 2009. His brother and friends were also arrested at the same time; however they were released after three months of detention. At the time of the arrests, no judicial arrest warrants were presented nor were the victims told the reasons for their arrests. Following his arrest, Mohamed Mostafa remained in custody and was detained incommunicado in an unknown location by State Security forces for five months until 15 December 2009. During this period, he was frequently tortured, beaten and threatened by State Security officers, until he finally signed fabricated confessions. " We are 10, and you are 1..." the Security officers are quoted as having said "You will get tired and give in to what we want". Sources indicate that Mohamed Mostafa may have been arrested and tried by the UAE State Security at the request of the Syrian authorities, where Mr Mostafa was a student for a year in 2007.