A ruling by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal to suspend a local newspaper and fine its editor-in-chief further undermines press freedom in the United Arab Emirates.

Thousands of South Asian migrant workers building a US$27 billion island development in the United Arab Emirates face severe exploitation and abuse, in some cases amounting to forced labor.

The reported detention of a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family, Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan, in connection with the videotaped torture of an Afghan grain dealer is a significant development, but much more needs to be done to restore faith in the country's police and justice system.

The announcement by the United Arab Emirates that the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will conduct an expeditious and "comprehensive review" of   the videotaped torture of an Afghan grain dealer, apparently by a royal family member and the police, is a positive first step in restoring public confidence in the country's criminal justice system.

The United Arab Emirates should investigate and prosecute the torture of an Afghan grain dealer by a royal family member, Shaikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan, and the police.

I am writing to express Human Rights Watch's deep concern about the torture of Mohammed Shah Poor, which overwhelming evidence suggests was committed by royal family member Shaikh Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan and UAE police.

A new draft law to regulate the news media unlawfully restricts free expression and will unduly interfere with the media's ability to report on sensitive subjects.