UAE goes on dissident-arresting spree...

Nine antigovernment activists have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in the last two days. Authorities claim the arrest were connected to an investigation into foreign-linked groups that threaten the state's security.

International human rights groups and activists described the recent arrests as a "draconian response to the mildest calls for modest democratic reforms."

Human Rights Watch urged the US and British governments to speak up about the situation in UAE.

"After all their fine words over the past year about standing up for democracy and human rights in the Arab world, the US and the UK have completely lost their voices when it comes to the UAE," HRW's Deputy Middle East Director Joe Stork said in a statement on Wednesday.

Amnesty International has called on UAE authorities to disclose the whereabouts of those arrested, expressing concerns about possible mistreatment of the detainees. Full story...

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