PUBLICAI Index: MDE 25/03/98

23 June 1998

Further information on UA 66/98 (MDE 25/02/98, 3 March 1998) - Death Penalty

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESTouran Ibrahim Abbas (f)

New name:

Qamar Ali Khan

On 20 June 1998 the Supreme Court in Dubai, UAE reportedly upheld the death sentence against Touran Ibrahim Abbas. The case will now be referred to the UAE President, al-Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, for ratification. Touran Ibrahim Abbas was sentenced to death in December 1997 for drug trafficking

Amnesty International has also learned that an appeal court in Dubai has upheld the death sentence against Qamar Ali Khan, a Pakistani national. He is said to have been sentenced to death, also in connection with drug trafficking. The case should now be referred to the Supreme Court.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in English, Arabic or in your own language:

- expressing concern that the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence against Touran Ibrahim Abbas;

- expressing concern that the death sentence against Qamar Ali Khan has been upheld on appeal;

- recognizing the rights and responsibilities of governments to bring to justice those suspected of criminal offences, but expressing unconditional opposition to the death sentence in all cases as the ultimate violation of the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment;

- urging that the death sentences be commuted.

APPEALS TO:

President of the United Arab Emirates

His Highness

al-Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan

President of the United Arab Emirates

Ruler of Abu Dhabi

Manhal Palace

PO Box 280, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Telexes: 22220 PALACE EM

Telegrams: President Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Faxes: +971 266 4799

Salutation: Your Highness

Crown Prince

His Highness

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum

Ruler of Dubai

PO Box 899, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Telexes: 23245

Telegrams: Crown Prince, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Salutation: Your Highness

Minister of Interior

His Excellency

General Dr Mohammad Saeed al-Badi

Ministry of the Interior

PO Box 398,Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Telegrams: Interior Minister,Abu Dhabi, UAE

Faxes: + 971 2415 688; 971 2461621

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of the United Arab Emirates accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 4 August 1998.