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British Detainees Get "Exemplary" Treatment In
U.A.E.
By L. Ibrahim
DUBAI, July 2 (IslamOnline) - As investigations continue and eight British nationals, among 19, remain detained in the U.A.E. in connection with illegal spying activities, the detainees have issued a statement confirming that the U.A.E. authorities are treating them very well.
Michael Sixsmith, 58, former army intelligence major and director of the Dubai-based Middle East Research Group, released a statement yesterday on behalf of the 19 detainees currently held in Dubai.
"On behalf of those who have been detained and are currently assisting the U.A.E. authorities with their inquiries into possible unacceptable business activities, we would like to state unequivocally that - without exception - the treatment that we have received has been, at all times, exemplary," the statement said.
"We have been treated with the utmost respect and courtesy and dealt with in a highly professional way by all concerned."
"Furthermore, it is very apparent to us that considerable efforts have been made by the authorities to expedite the matter quickly. In respect to the conditions under which we are detained, we have no complaints whatsoever. We have been given access to our lawyers who have, in turn, been in contact with the public prosecutor."
A diplomat from the British embassy in Dubai, who spoke to IslamOnline on condition of anonymity, commented on the situation with the detainees saying,
"They were arrested June 26, at around midday. The companies they work for have many clients internationally. The nature of their work is to conduct corporate research to assist companies abroad to gather information before venturing into the local markets."
"In places like the U.A.E. and Hong Kong, where the business atmosphere is so daunting, these companies wish to find out what they are getting themselves into."
According to BBC online, British officials in the U.K. are trying to get permission to visit the detainees.
The British diplomat added that the embassy did not intend to interfere with the investigation; their main role was not to protect criminals, but to ensure that they are allowed access to their legal representatives in accordance with international treaties; and to protect their human rights.
Little information has been disclosed by the embassy, however.
"We understand that the reason of the arrest was the use of equipment and business activities that are inconsistent with the trade license," said the British diplomat; "We have no further information on it."
She said the public prosecutor is now looking into evidence that will also include testimonials from the various detainees.
The vice consular of the British embassy in Dubai is planning to visit the detainees within the next few days.
The arrests focus on the use of unauthorized surveillance equipment, the embassy said, without elaborating.
London's Sunday Times reported that the eight Britons were "private eyes" arrested after accusations they conducted surveillance operations that had "enraged ruling clans."
"These investigators were engaged in espionage on individuals, including at least one businessman close to the ruling clans," The Sunday Times said.
The companies concerned specialize in collecting information of economic nature about other firms upon request of a client, Khaleej Times reported online.
Senior managers of at least two of these companies are among those being held, a British official said.
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