The family of an Australian man who was arrested in Dubai on spy charges more than six months ago has accused the United Arab Emirates of torture.
According to Naim Aziz Abbas's brother, since his arrest in October 2017, Mr Abbas has also been denied access to a lawyer.
Mr Abbas' brother said he received a phone call last week advising him he would face court on May 9 on the charge of “having links to a foreign entity with the purpose of committing a terrorist act". The man's brother further alleged that while he will be represented by a lawyer in court, he has not been allowed to receive legal counsel prior.
"No lawyer was allowed to represent him during the interrogation,” Mr Abbas' brother, Adil Abbas told SBS Arabic24.
In email correspondence seen by SBS Arabic between Mr Abbas' brother and the Australian Consular, the latter advised that Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop had been briefed by the Australia Ambassador to the UAE over Mr Abbas' situation.
"My brother is innocent of any crime. He is not a spy nor a terrorist," Adil Abbas told an executive officer with the Consular.
"I am fearful that he will not receive a fair trial and that he is a victim of political tensions between countries and if this is the case then the Australian Government must intervene and demand he be released if he is not afforded a fair trial."
Iraqi-born Naim Abbas, who is an Australian citizen, moved to Dubai in 2009 to work for the UAE Roads and Transport Authority.
The brother told SBS Arabic24 that Mr Naim Abbas “lost nearly 20 kg of weight when met the Australian Consular in Dubai last month.”
Mr Naim Abbas’ family in Sydney was kept informed of the efforts exerted by the Australian authorities by emails sent through to his brother Adil.
Mr Adil Abbas’ efforts to meet the UAE’s Ambassador in Canberra had also failed, forcing him resort to a lawyer among a list of lawyers nominated by the Australian consulate in Dubai.
Though the court hearing is scheduled to occur in three sessions, the family fears that Mr Abbas’ lawyer will not have enough time to prepare his defence.
SBS Arabic24 contacted the UAE’s embassy in Canberra but officials were unable to comment or provide information on Mr Abbas or his case.
SBS Arabic24 has contacted the Australian Consular in the UAE and DFAT for comment.
A DFAT media spokesperson said in an email "DFAT consular officials in UAE have met Mr Abbas and are providing consular assistance, including liaising with his family in Australia. Mr Abbas’ case has been raised privately with the UAE government."
