Closed-door Hearing for Lebanese-American in UAE Sparks Criticism
A judge has sparked criticism for unexpectedly closing the trial of a U.S. citizen of Lebanese origin detained in the United Arab Emirates on terrorism-related charges.
The American Civil Liberties Union said a closed-door hearing for Naji Hamdan, 43, is a "travesty of justice."
Judge Shahab al-Hamadi gave no reason for reversing course Monday after the first court session in June was open to the public.
The ACLU has accused the U.S. government of secretly pushing Hamdan”s case through Emirati courts for lack of evidence to convict him at home.
Hamdan, who was born in Lebanon, denied the charges against him in June and said he confessed under pressure because he wanted the "beatings to stop."
He was charged with supporting terrorism, participating in the work of terrorist organizations, and being a member of a terrorist group. He denied all three charges during his first court appearance, 10 months after he was detained by UAE state security forces.
No date has been set for the court verdict.