Story perspectives

Political Prisoner Dies After 13 Years of Torture

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ali Abdullah Fath Ali al-Khaja, a political prisoner in the United Arab Emirates, died on November 19, 2025.
He endured more than 13 years in detention with allegations of torture, including prolonged solitary confinement.
Human Rights Watch and the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center report mistreatment, including denial of medical care, and that he completed his sentence in August 2022.
The death has prompted calls for an independent investigation.

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Story summary

Ali Abdullah Fath Ali al-Khaja, a political prisoner in the United Arab Emirates, died on November 19, 2025.
He endured more than 13 years in detention with allegations of torture, including prolonged solitary confinement.
Human Rights Watch and the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center report mistreatment, including denial of medical care, and that he completed his sentence in August 2022.
The death has prompted calls for an independent investigation.