Abu Dhabi, Apr 26 (AP) The United Arab Emirates detained five activists, who all signed a pro-democracy petition last month, on accusations of "opposing the government," the Emirati state news agency said today.
The activists are being questioned for "perpetrating acts that pose a threat to state security" and insulting the rulers of Abu Dhabi, including the crown prince, Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is to meet President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Political activity is severely restricted in the UAE, an alliance of seven semiautonomous states allied to the US, each ruled by a hereditary sheik. There are no official opposition groups and political parties are banned.
The oil-rich federation has not seen the pro-reform unrest spreading elsewhere around the Middle East that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt earlier this year.