Sisters deny funding Daesh, Nusra Front

ABU DHABI — Two Emirati sisters, who stood trial in the court on Monday, denied charges of dealing and communicating with elements working for Al Nusra Front and Daesh terrorist outfits.

The suspects are also accused of funding both the terror groups in a way that contradicts the counterterrorism laws in the country.

The defence lawyer challenged the investigation procedures and evidence collecting process, saying the prosecution failed to produce any corroborated evidence that could prove that the suspects had handed over money in a direct or indirect manner to persons working for the terror outfits.

Lawyer Ali Al Abbadi demanded the acquittal of his clients and requested the first suspect be referred to hospital to receive medical treatment. He also demanded that the two women to be bailed out.

The judge ordered the first suspect to be referred to hospital, while her sister was asked to continue in police custody. The case has been reserved to October 31.

In another case, counsel of A.S., who is accused of joining the banned Al Islah clandestine group, which is affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, told the court that the defendant attended the Quran memorisation sessions and other cultural programmes of the organisation when he was young.

Lawyer Jassim Al Naqbi told the court that A.S. was not aware of any secret activities conducted by the group.

He claimed that his client abandoned such activities when members of Al Islah group stood trial in 2012. “My client has no connection with Al Islah Society since then. He did not commit any punishable act,” the attorney said.

Al Naqbi demanded the acquittal of his client. The case has been posted to October 31 for a final ruling.