URGENT ACTION

Pakistani DoCTOR released FROM UAE

Dr Ayyaz Ali Khan was released by UAE police on 8 June 2010, after being detained without charge or trial for 65 days. The whereabouts of two other Pakistani men arrested at the same time, Dr Akmal Waheed and Asad Waheed, remain unknown.

Dr Khanwas arrested in Ras al Khaimah (RAK) on 5 April 2010 while he was on a trip to set up a department of dentistry at RAK University. He was taken from the university’s guest house together with two other Pakistani men, brothers Dr Akmal Waheedand Asad Waheed, whose whereabouts remain unknown. For 65 days, Dr Khan was held in solitary confinement in an unknown location and was denied access to his family, lawyers or the consulate of Pakistan. Dr. Khan still does not know the reasons of his arrest but he says that he was been well treated during his detention.

Dr Khan was released on 8 June 2010. He was brought to Abu Dhabi airport blindfolded and put on a plane to Islamabad. Dr Khan had the chance to inform his family about his release before he took the plane. He is in good health and is now resting with his family in Pakistan.

"When I was taken, I had a family of 25 members and now I have a family of thousands of people. I am extremely grateful to Amnesty International for all their support. I feel every little pressure helped in my case," Dr Khan said to Amnesty International after his release. Dr Khan’s family would also like to thank Amnesty International’s members for all their efforts sending appeals on his behalf. Dr Khan’s nephew said, "Amnesty has been a source of hope to his family and friends at a time of deep despair. Many, many thanks for all your efforts."

The whereabouts of the two brothers Dr Akmal Waheed and Asad Waheed, arrested with Dr Khan, still remain unknown. The two brothers were working at RAK University since 2007 until the time of their arrest. Please stop letters on behalf of Dr Khan but continue sending appeals on behalf of Dr Akmal Waheed and Asad Waheed.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in English, Arabic or your own language:

• Welcoming the release of Dr Ayyaz Ali Khan but urging the authorities of the UAE to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Dr Akmal Waheed and Asad Waheed;

• Calling on the authorities to release Dr Akmal Waheed and Asad Waheed unless they are charged with a recognizable criminal offence;

• Calling on the authorities to allow the detainees to receive family visits, the assistance of a lawyer of their own choosing and of consular officials as well as adequate medical care.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 27 JULY 2010 TO: