Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Sep 2: As reported by Daijiworld last week, at least eight Indians were arrested by the Dubai police on August 20 for illegally organising a rally in support of Anna Hazare, who had then been on fast demanding a strong Lokpal bill in India.
Through social networking sites, about 150 Indian citizens working in UAE gathered at Al Mumzar beach for a three kilometer rally in support of Anna Hazare on August 20. Dubai police stopped the march after they proceeded for about 1.5 kilometers and detained the leaders who floated the rally and let the rest go. Police arrested five people and next day three more were taken in.
According to the latest information, three have been let off but five Indian professionals are still in jail, facing prosecution.
A news source said that the five are employees of a private firm. In their early 30s, they hail from Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
For people of any nationality, organising a rally without the approval of authorities concerned in the UAE is illegal.
The Consul General of India in Dubai Sanjay Verma reportedly told a radio channel "Our officials have got access to them. Because of Eid holidays in Dubai, things did not move.”
After the Eid holidays, on September 4, Dubai authorities may take a call for bail of these five people.
He adviced all the Indian citizens who reside in the UAE to be cautious and avoid public reactions to issues in India. The local laws must be respected, he said.