Armed officers arrested al-Qassimi without an arrest warrant or indictment on Friday, his son, Abdullah al-Qassimi, told the CNN.
Al-Qassimi, the president of the “Call of Reform,” was arrested upon the order of the Abu Dhabi monarchy and subsequently transferred to the Ras al-Khaimah palace.
While the reasons for al-Qassimi’s arrest are still unknown, he is expected to be transferred to Abu Dhabi, said his son, adding that the activist may hire an attorney to defend him against potential charges.
Al-Qassimi became the head of the “Call for Reform” two years ago. The members of the group have been subject to prosecution due to their reformist activities.
So far, seven members of the Call for Reform have been denaturalized, six of whom incarcerated over their denial to leave the country.
ASH/GHN/HJL