Indians on death row can appeal, UAE tells India

NEW DELHI - Amid concerns in India over the death sentences given to 17 Indians in Sharjah for allegedly killing a Pakistani, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Monday assured that its legal system guarantees a fair trial and the death sentence is subject to appeal.

“Death penalty in UAE legal system is subject to appeal and cessation by the rule of law without any interference from the parties,” the UAE embassy said in a statement.

“We fully trust our legal system and its procedures and we are sure that it will provide and guarantee a fair trial to the convicted,” the embassy said.

The court (in UAE) provides lawyers for those unable to get legal help themselves and gives them the right and the means to defend themselves in court, the statement said.

The UAE’s clarification comes amid concerns in India over the fate of 17 Indians who were sentenced to death March 29 by a Sharjah sharia court for allegedly killing a Pakistani and injuring three others following a row over illegal alcohol business.

Last week, Indian consulate officials in Dubai got access to the Indians kept in an UAE prison.

India has assured full legal assistance to the 17 Indians even as its consulate in Sharjah is trying to help arrange lawyers to argue their case.

Sources here said that the appeal to the higher court will be made within the prescribed period of two weeks from the date of judgment by the lower court.

The 17 Indians have pleaded innocence.