At the time of their arrest they were threatened with deportation to China, where they would have faced execution, if they did not sign false confessions. They were forced to confess to "planning terrorist operations in the UAE" and were imprisoned on terrorism related-charges. Before their transfer to al-Wathba prison they were detained in State Security premises. In the 16 months since their arrest, they have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment while being detained incommunicado. Their psychological health has been further aggravated in that they have not received any news regarding the whereabouts or condition of their wives. Additionally, the lack of any support from family or friends in the UAE makes their situation particularly difficult
The facts are clear - Mr. Salim and Mr. Omar have been accused of terrorism based on confessions extracted under torture - they have not been able to consult a lawyer, nor have they been presented before a judge. It is obvious that they have been unable to contest the legality of their detention, contrary to the international norms relating to a fair trial.
Alkarama had previously submitted their cases to the Special Rapporteur on Torture on 20 July 2009 and the Special Rapporteur on the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism on 30 July 2009. Today, Alkarama submitted their cases to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention asking for these two victims to be released or at least be privy to a fair trial by an independent and impartial tribunal, in accordance with the UAE's obligations under the universal declaration of Human Rights.