At first glance, the United Arab Emirates appears to promote
democratic principles. For example, according to the Embassy’s website, the UAE
is, “strengthening institutions of government to ensure a transparent
legal system with full regard for the quality of life of all citizens and
residents.” According to the NGO FreedomHouse.org, the UAE’s 8.1
million citizens are “Not Free” and the CIA’s World Fact Book reports that political parties are not allowed
within the government indicating that people cannot participate in the
political process.
Cyril
Karabus, a doctor from South Africa, was lured to the UAE by the high salaries and
therefore began his career (early 2000’s) as a pediatrician in Abu Dhabi. In 2003 Dr. Karabus was convicted of murder in
absentia by the government of the UAE. On April 11, 2013 The New York Times reported that this case was, “a stark example of foreign professionals who are drawn to the gulf only to get caught up in Emirati justice.”
This past year Dr. Karabus and his family were traveling home to South
Africa, through Abu Dhabi, when he was arrested. The government claims that he had misdiagnosed a patient (A
3 year old girl with leukemia) and thus caused her death. This was clearly not true and Dr. Karabus denies these accusations. He was held in custody for seven
months and finally released at the end of March. While
Karabus was held in custody, the trial was constantly delayed because the
prosecutors kept misplacing files.
Due
to the fact that the UAE is ruled by an authoritarian regime, there is no
transparency within the government, which can be worrisome for many expats who
are planning to work in the country. For instance, in 2012, an Austrian doctor in the UAE was
convicted (in absentia) of premeditated murder for disconnecting the life-support
from one of his patients who was a quadriplegic. On April 4, 2013 the World Medical Association issued a
statement, in regards to Dr. Karabus’s case, warning other professionals to be wary
of the working environment and the legal implications of potential employment in the UAE.
We
as students in the U.S. need to question the legitimacy of the government in
the UAE. Although diplomatic
relations between the U.S. and the UAE are stable, we must analyze this
government under a critical light.
Last week, we discussed Saudi Arabia and the lucrative salaries
available to foreigners. The story
of Dr. Karabus is an important reminder that governments like Saudi Arabia, the
UAE, and Qatar are not what they may appear to be. The U.S. must continue to put diplomatic pressure on these
wealthy countries to protect the individual rights of all citizens.
Sources:
http://www.wma.net/en/40news/20archives/2013/2013_07/index.html
No comments:
Post a Comment