The "Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe" Statement

Withdrawal of the citizenship of UAE figures…

a surprising step requires revisit

The "Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe" received with great surprise the reports around the withdrawal of citizenship of six public figures in the United Arab Emirates.

We were actually shocked because these public figures are known with good reputation, eminent social status and high respect within the UAE and abroad. Those men are symbols of the rising UAE society, and from the Emirati intellectual elite whose national and humanitarian positions are indisputable along with their prominence in scientific, academic and educational aspects and in social service as a whole that is already decided. Those pioneers, have been actually known within the ranks of the best delegates for the UAE and its people wherever they in the world, due to their cultural and social appearances.

These injustices inflicted the following elite men:

Sheikh Muhammad Abdul-Raziq As-Siddiq, member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Dr. Ali Hussain Al Hammadi, president of the Center of Creative Thinking, Dr. Shahin Abdullah Al Hosni, an expert in library and information sciences, Mr. Hussein Munif Al Jabri, a pedagogical and educational expert, Mr. Hassan Munif Al Jabri, a founder and an expert in charities, Mr. Ahmed Ghaith Al-Suwaidi, an educational expert

That odd move is going irregular with the march of UAE and its reputation in any way, nor being consistent with the solicitude of the country which includes all its subjects, and contrary to the obligations of the state regarding the fundamental rights of individuals; topped by the guaranteeing of citizenship whether the reasons were.

There is no doubt that this step of dropping the nationalities requires urgent review, in line with the wisdom of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates and its stated commitment to justice, equity and guaranteeing the rights of citizenship to the citizens of this ancient country without discrimination at all.

We in the "Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe" expect that the responsible bodies in the UAE to review that regrettable move which is painful for all the friends of the UAE around the world, and to revisit this unjust decision and every other violations and abuses which damage the reputation of this rising country. It's most recommended for the government of United Arab Emirates to rehabilitate and honor these public figures as well as take advantage of their positive energies in the march of progress and prosperity.

Brussels, December 29, 2011
Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe