NEW YORK, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The United Arab Emirates must carry out an independent investigation of torture use to restore confidence in its justice system, human rights advocates say.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement released Sunday in New York that the United Arab Emirates government has failed to give any updates on a "comprehensive review" of the use of torture in the country. The government promised to undertake the review in April after a royal family member was put on trial for allegedly torturing a grain merchant with the help of police.
"Despite its April announcement, the government has not subsequently made any announcement about the comprehensive review nor made any results public," HRW said.
A verdict was expected Sunday in the trial of Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. He has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with a 2004 incident that was taped and shown on U.S. television. It reportedly showed Issa torturing the grain dealer with whips, electric cattle prods and a wooden plank with protruding nails.
"If the U.A.E. government really wants to stop torture and to restore its sullied image, one trial will not be enough," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director for Human Rights Watch.
