Who are the ‘Justice and Dignity’ and Al Islah groups the UAE just sentenced to life?

The UAE Supreme Court on June 26 issued a ruling in the high-profile “Justice and Dignity Terrorist Organisation” case, partially overturning a previous verdict by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals. The court found 24 individuals guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

The defendants were convicted of collaborating with the terrorist group "Justice and Dignity" and of financing the outlawed "Al Islah (Reform) Group," which Emirati authorities associate with the Muslim Brotherhood.

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Both organisations are banned in the UAE for attempting to destabilise the state.

In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the seizure of all funds, assets, and materials connected to the two offences. Authorities said these actions are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terror funding networks within the country.

This latest decision follows a previous July 10, 2023, ruling in which the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals’ State Security Division convicted six companies and 53 individuals tied to the same case. That verdict included punishments ranging from fines of up to Dh20 million to life imprisonment.

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Who are the Justice and Dignity Group?

The “Justice and Dignity” group is considered a terrorist organisation by the Emirati authorities. It has been linked to the 2013 mass trial of 94 Emiratis accused of forming a secret organisation aimed at undermining state security.

In 2023, the group reappeared in legal proceedings as part of a broader case targeting individuals allegedly involved in subversive activities. According to the UAE government, this group sought to revive networks tied to political Islam and promote agendas aligned with extremist ideologies.

Human rights organisations, however, have criticised the trials involving this group for lacking due process and transparency.

About the Al Islah (Reform) Group

The “Al Islah (Reform) Group” is the Emirati branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist organisation banned in the UAE and several other Arab countries.

Established in the 1970s, Al Islah initially operated openly, focusing on education and religious outreach. However, by the 1990s, UAE authorities dissolved the group’s formal presence, and in 2014, it was officially designated a terrorist organisation.

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The government has accused Al Islah of attempting to seize power, promote extremist ideas, and maintain ties with foreign Brotherhood factions.

Several of its members have faced long prison terms for allegedly plotting against the state and accepting foreign funding to support their activities.