The cases of Ms. Alya Abdulnoor, Ms. Maryam Soulayman Al-Ballushi and Ms. Amina Alabduli were included in the 2019 report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/42/30, para. 79 and Annex I, paras. 105–109). It was reported to OHCHR that their conditions had worsened after information was transmitted to the UN, and allegations of torture and ill- treatment in detention, and lack of appropriate medical treatment for the three women were raised by special procedures (ARE 2/2019). 86 Ms. Abdulnoor died in custody on 4 May 2019, despite pleas from the UN for assistance. 87

It was reported to OHCHR that, on 30 July 2019, Ms. Al-Ballushi and Ms. Alabduli were brought before the Federal State Security prosecutor for three new charges under Federal Law No.5 of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes, relating to their efforts to raise awareness about their cases. The charges included “leaking wrong information,” “affecting the reputation of the UAE and Al Wathba prison negatively,” and “causing problems between countries.” Neither Ms. Al-Ballushi nor Ms. Alabduli reportedly have had access to legal counsel in relation to these charges. It was further reported that in February 2020, Ms. Al-Ballushi and Ms. Alabduli were placed in solitary confinement every Sunday, Monday and Thursday (the days when they had been previously able to contact their families) in retaliation for their refusal to provide authorities with a recorded confession intended for broadcast on Emirati television. On 23 February 2020, despite their poor health, they began a hunger strike in protest of their conditions and treatment.

On 17 March 2020, special procedures mandate holders urged the Emirati authorities to investigate and reform detention conditions that amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, citing the cases of the three women. 88 The urgent call followed allegations that Ms. Al-Ballushi, accused of “financing terrorism” because of her donation to a Syrian family, attempted suicide due to degrading conditions in the Al-Wathba prison in Abu Dhabi (see ARE 2/2019). The mandate holders stated that “Ms. Al-Ballushi has also been subjected to reprisals following the official communication we sent to the UAE authorities.” 89

On 14 July 2020, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection to the present report, refuting that Ms. Soulayman Al-Ballushi, Ms. Alabduli, Mr. Mekkaoui, Mr. Shaker Az have been subject to arbitrary detention or torture, or been placed in solitary confinement. The Government indicated that all have received the necessary health care and that while family visits were suspended due to COVID-19, all individuals have the right to phone calls. It noted that Ms. Abdulnoor was serving her sentence for abetting terrorism because of her support to Al Qaeda when the breast cancer she had before incarceration worsened, and she died in custody under the care of the State. The Government refutes the allegations pertaining to Mr. Mansoor, who they state has received regular medical care and meals and the alleged hunger strike is not true.