Member of UAE ruling family on trial over videotaped beating ruled ‘innocent’ on all counts

Abu Dhabi sheik in torture trial found innocent

AL AIN, United Arab Emirates — A member of the United Arab Emirates ruling family being tried in connection with the videotaped beating of an Afghan man has been cleared of all charges.

Presiding judge Mubarak al-Awad pronounced Sheik Issa bin Zayed Al Nahyan “innocent” of all charges.

Al-Awad read the verdict Sunday in a UAE criminal court in the oasis city of Al Ain.

The case has drawn intense scrutiny not only because Sheik Issa is half brother of the Emirati president, but also because the graphic beating was videotaped.

The footage surfaced during a U.S. lawsuit by Sheik Issa’s former business associate.