The United Arab Emirates has sacked the board of the country's Teachers Association, replacing it with state appointees, after it signed a public appeal calling for more democracy in the country.

The decree dissolving the Teachers' Association board said the group had violated a UAE law barring non-governmental organisations and their members from interfering 'in politics or in matters that impair state security and its ruling regime.'

The teachers' board signed the democracy appeal on April 6.

The Ministry of Social Affairs had earlier called on civil society organisations to comply with state regulations and laws governing their activities and scope of work, according to the state news agency WAM.– Reuters