ABU DHABI // The trial of five activists charged with threatening national security and insulting the Rulers continued at the State Security Court yesterday.
The Emirati men face charges including crimes of instigation; breaking laws and perpetrating acts that pose a threat to state security; undermining public order; opposing the government system; and insulting the President, the Vice President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
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During the hearing, which was held behind closed doors, two of eight witnesses gave evidence. The case will continue next Monday when the other six witnesses will appear.
The five men - Ahmed Mansour Ali Abdullah Al Abd Al Shehi, Nasser Ahmed Khalfan bin Gaith, Fahad Salim Mohammed Salim Dalk, Hassan Ali Al Khamis and Ahmed Abdul Khaleq - denied all charges in court for the second time, before a new judge.
Two prosecution witnesses who are internet and IT experts told the court they had the technology to trace the alleged insults published on the internet back to the online aliases used by the accused. The defence team did not cross-examine the witnesses or present their case in court yesterday, according to a defence lawyer.
In addition, eight lawyers are taking legal action against the activists on behalf of Emiratis who are claiming compensation for psychological damage they say was caused by the statements the men are accused of making.
hdajani@thenational.ae
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Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
