Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUDHABI695
2009-07-07 13:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:
(C) UAE CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE SHEIKH ISSA TORTURE
how-toVZCZCXRO6716 PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR DE RUEHAD #0695 1881338 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 071338Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2701 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000695
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR DRL, NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: 07/06/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL AE
SUBJECT: (C) UAE CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE SHEIKH ISSA TORTURE
Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
REFS: A) ABU DHABI 553
B) ABU DHABI 481
C) ABU DHABI 423
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000695
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR DRL, NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: 07/06/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL AE
SUBJECT: (C) UAE CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE SHEIKH ISSA TORTURE
Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
REFS: A) ABU DHABI 553
B) ABU DHABI 481
C) ABU DHABI 423
1. (SBU) The Abu Dhabi Prosecution Office announced July 7 that it is
investigating "those involved" in the widely broadcast video tape
showing Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, seventh son of UAE founder
Sheikh Zayed, torturing an Afghan grain dealer (reftels). As with
past announcements on this case, the brief statement was carried in
the English-language media and did not appear in the Arabic press.
2. (SBU) As released by the UAE press agency WAM, the announcement
from the Abu Dhabi prosecutor's office emphasized that the purpose of
the ongoing criminal investigation was to uncover violations of the
"common rights and the rights of all individuals" involved in this
case. It noted that Sheikh Issa's lawyer, Habib Al Mulla, is
following the investigation.
3. (C) Comment. This new UAEG statement echoed what was said private
to Ambassador in conversations last month with Crown Prince Mohamed
bin Zayed, Deputy PM and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif, and other
senior UAEG officials: that despite Sheikh Issa's royal status,, the
UAEG is pursuing the case and that Sheikh Issa "is just a citizen" to
whom all laws apply (refs A and B). Concerned with its international
reputation, and with a close eye on its image, unanimity within the
UAEG/royal family continues in projecting determination to see the
case through. End Comment.
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR DRL, NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: 07/06/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL AE
SUBJECT: (C) UAE CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE SHEIKH ISSA TORTURE
Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
REFS: A) ABU DHABI 553
B) ABU DHABI 481
C) ABU DHABI 423
1. (SBU) The Abu Dhabi Prosecution Office announced July 7 that it is
investigating "those involved" in the widely broadcast video tape
showing Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, seventh son of UAE founder
Sheikh Zayed, torturing an Afghan grain dealer (reftels). As with
past announcements on this case, the brief statement was carried in
the English-language media and did not appear in the Arabic press.
2. (SBU) As released by the UAE press agency WAM, the announcement
from the Abu Dhabi prosecutor's office emphasized that the purpose of
the ongoing criminal investigation was to uncover violations of the
"common rights and the rights of all individuals" involved in this
case. It noted that Sheikh Issa's lawyer, Habib Al Mulla, is
following the investigation.
3. (C) Comment. This new UAEG statement echoed what was said private
to Ambassador in conversations last month with Crown Prince Mohamed
bin Zayed, Deputy PM and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif, and other
senior UAEG officials: that despite Sheikh Issa's royal status,, the
UAEG is pursuing the case and that Sheikh Issa "is just a citizen" to
whom all laws apply (refs A and B). Concerned with its international
reputation, and with a close eye on its image, unanimity within the
UAEG/royal family continues in projecting determination to see the
case through. End Comment.