Long-standing regimes in Tunisia and Egypt were toppled earlier this year , and Damascus has launched a violent crackdown against protesters in Syria . They face charges of public terrorism against the UAE . Human Rights Watch accuses the UAE of misusing the law to persecute free speech . UAE officials have not seen street protests but helped fight protesters in Bahrain . All five defendants have pleaded not guilty ; their trial begins Monday .
They face charges of public terrorism against the UAE . Human Rights Watch accuses the UAE of misusing the law to persecute free speech . UAE officials have not seen street protests but helped fight protesters in Bahrain . All five defendants have pleaded not guilty ; their trial begins Monday .