UAE sentences three to death for terrorist murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals’ State Security Chamber has sentenced three individuals to death and a fourth to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Moldovan-Israeli national Zvi Kogan, in a crime motivated by terrorist intent.

The verdict was issued unanimously on Monday, following swift legal proceedings initiated in January 2025 after investigations by the State Security Prosecution.

The prosecution’s evidence included detailed confessions from the defendants, forensic and post-mortem reports, the instruments used in the crime, and witness testimonies.

According to the investigation, the four defendants tracked, kidnapped, and murdered Kogan.

The three individuals directly involved in the killing were handed capital punishment, while the fourth, who was found to have aided them, received a life sentence followed by deportation upon completion of the prison term.

Under UAE law, all death penalty sentences are automatically appealed and referred to the Criminal Division of the Federal Supreme Court for final adjudication.

Attorney General Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi stressed that the verdict reflects the UAE’s firm stance against terrorism and its commitment to justice and the rule of law.

He affirmed that the judiciary will continue to confront all threats to national security with zero tolerance.

Dr. Al Shamsi further emphasized the UAE’s status as a global model of coexistence and tolerance, where laws safeguard the rights and security of all residents, regardless of nationality or faith.