The story: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dropped the prison sentence issued against US civil rights lawyer Asim Ghafoor. Last month, the attorney was detained while transiting through an Emirati airport and jailed over alleged money laundering and tax evasion. Human rights groups have asserted that the case against Ghafoor is politically motivated due to his activism and relationship with murdered Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Ghafoor’s release date remains unknown.

The coverage: The UAE embassy in Washington on Aug. 8 circulated details of the case against Ghafoor and his prior conviction in absentia...