UAE offers to free American hunger striker on bail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A court in the United Arab Emirates has offered to release on bail an American businessman accused of embezzlement who has been on hunger strike in jail since May, the US embassy said today.
Washington has repeatedly called for Zack Shahin's case to be resolved. He has been detained since he was arrested in 2008 while at the helm of Dubai real estate firm Deyaar. There have been hearings in his case in Dubai, but no judgment.
Last week, the United States said it had "serious concerns" over Shahin's health and urged the UAE to release him on bail. It has also asked for more transparency in the case.
"I can confirm that conditions for bail have been set at 5 million dirhams (£870,000)," a spokesman for the US embassy in Abu Dhabi told Reuters.
Shahin's lawyer said he hoped to secure his release early next week.
"There was a concern whether he would be able to accumulate the money. But we are certain now that the funding can be arranged," Erik Akers told Reuters.
He said that some funds had already been transferred and the remaining amount needed to come from the United States.
"With the weekend coming, he may not be released until Sunday or Monday," he added.
Shahin is due to have two court hearings later this month when a verdict could be handed down in his case, the lawyer said.
In May, four other expatriates jailed in Dubai said they had gone on hunger strike to protest against the lengthy prison sentences handed down to them for bouncing cheques - a criminal offence in the UAE.
The men, most of them real estate developers and businessmen who worked in Dubai during its economic boom, fell into debt when the emirate's property bubble burst after the 2008 global credit crisis.
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments