Custody of passport after a criminal case judgment until closing appeal

Hi there.

I had a criminal case registered against me for flying a drone in Abu Dhabi.

I had my license and the registration certificate and was flying the drone within the permitted areas prescribed by the General Civil Aviation Authority. My Drone and passport were confiscated.

After 3 months, and two hearings later, I got the judgement in my favour and I was acquitted of all charges. I got the judgment paper.

I got a clearance letter, but when I asked for my passport they said I have to get a clearance from the appeal court. What are they talking about?

The clearance letter mentions 'Expiry of Criminal Case and Cancellation of Travel Ban'