UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pardoned 57 Bangladesh nationals on Tuesday. As reported by WAM, the official news agency of UAE, the pardoned individuals had been convicted due to their involvement in trials in the country last month. UAE’s Attorney-General, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, has also stopped the deportation process commenced against the individuals, on the order of the President.

The nationals had been arrested for calling for protests against the Bangladesh government and also allegedly organizing peaceful protests. They were arrested for “inciting violence” as well as unlawful assembly. They were also charged with rioting, disruption, and property damage. The Federal Court of Appeal ruled for ten years of imprisonment, as well as deportation back to Bangladesh after the convicted had finished serving their sentences.

Their sentencing was stated to be “unjust” by Human Rights Watch, who denounced it as arbitrary and unlawful. Further, the speediness of the trials, in which 57 accused people were investigated, tried, and sentenced, all within two days, raised concerns about the fairness of the trial. Other organizations, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, denounced the sentencing and called for a more democratic, transparent process.

The pardoning is in direct opposition to the Public Prosecutor’s request, who asked for maximum imprisonment. After the pardoning, the Attorney General called on people to respect UAE’s laws and express their opinions in a lawful manner, which does not harm the country’s interests.

The nation currently ranks 160 on the World Press Freedom Index and is currently bringing charges against 84 activists and critics, with some having already been convicted in previous trials, thus violating the principle of double jeopardy.