Watchdog urges UAE to renounce torture

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 2 (UPI) -- The United Arab Emirates should renounce the use of torture following the release of a torture video, Human Rights Watch says.

The human rights watchdog criticized the circulated video footage that allegedly shows the brother of UAE President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahayan mercilessly beating a suspected Afghan trader, Sky News Online reported Saturday.

Of particular concern to the non-governmental organization is the related claim by the UAE government.

"What's even more shocking is the government's insistence that it investigated and found no violation of UAE laws," Human Rights Watch said of the beating allegedly inflicted by al Nahayan's brother, Sheik Issa bin Zayed al Nahayan.

Meanwhile, Sky News said, citing the Emirates official news agency, the country has plans to investigate the torture allegations prompted by the released video.

The video shows the suspected Afghan national being tortured with a cattle prod and a wooden panel riddled with nails. The taped assault also shows the man's genitals being burned and a vehicle seemingly damaging his legs by driving over them, Sky News said.