UAE activists jailed for reform demands

Five activists in the United Arab Emirates have been given jail terms of up to three years after calling for political reform in the oil-rich nation, following a trial that has been criticised by human rights groups.

The men were found guilty of charges including threatening state security and opposing the government. They have no right of appeal. Their arrest in April came amid a crackdown on dissent as the government tried to avoid ripples of the Arab Spring reaching its shores.