Dubai court grants bail to Hazare supporters

Three men accused of organising an illegal demonstration in support of Indian anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare have been granted bail while two remain in custody, the Indian Consulate said Sunday.

Dubai Public Prosecution last week denied bail to all five men, who were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly, but have since released three men, said the consulate.

 “The case is being examined under the local laws and it is learnt that the detainees have hired a lawyer and sought bail,” the consulate said in an emailed statement.

“Today [4 September], three out of the five detainees have been granted bail by the court. The Consulate is closely following the case,” it added.

Social activist Hazare, who on Sunday said he will not rest until corruption ends in India, has gained a host of supporters across the UAE, home to an estimated one million Indian expats.

More than 150 Indians took part in a 3km walk at Dubai’s Mamzar Beach two weeks ago to show their backing for his anti-graft campaign.

The Indian consulate in the UAE has cautioned nationals against staging any illegal protests in support of the 74-year old self-styled Gandhian activist.

“Sometimes, an emotive reaction encourages behaviour that falls foul of local laws and sensitivities,” Sanjay Verma, the Indian consul general, wrote on his Facebook page.

“I do understand that many Indians here feel strongly about the protests in India. A simpler way of conveying concerns is by petitions.”

Indian expat KK Sarachandra Bose organised a second trip for Indian expatriates from the UAE to New Delhi to join in the protests, which have rallied much of the Indian population and tapped a groundswell of public anger against endemic corruption.

“We want to show the government of India that we all support [Hazare] and that we are all against corruption,” he told Arabian Business.

“We want to have a corruption-free India,” he added. “Last time I took part [in protests] I was arrested but I want to show my support for the cause.”

Hazare broke his 228-hour fast on August 28 after forcing Indian parliament to move on an anti-graft bill.