DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - An activist in the United Arab Emirates says authorities cracking down on a small reform movement have dissolved the board of a teachers association after its members signed a petition calling for an elected parliament.
The step appears linked to the government's efforts to silence calls for democratic reforms in the oil-rich Gulf nation. Five democracy advocates were arrested last month and the board of a lawyers group was dissolved last week, also for signing the petition.
The activist says the decree to dismiss 11 elected members of the independent Teachers Association board and replace them with state-appointed substitutes was signed by a Cabinet minister.
He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment.
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