The State Department's 2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: United Arab Emirates

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

The constitution prohibits torture, and there were no reports that government officials employed it; however, courts applying Shari'a (Islamic law) sometimes imposed flogging sentences on both Muslims and non-Muslims as punishment for adultery, prostitution, and consensual premarital sex. In March, the Dubai Shari'a court sentenced a pregnant Asian housemaid to 150 lashes and deportation for adultery.

Flogging was also imposed as punishment for defamation of character, and drug or alcohol abuse. There were credible reports that some authorities used leather straps and canes to administer floggings, which left substantial bruising, welts, and open wounds on the recipients' bodies.


Flogging for pot possession would be a huge step forward for human rights in many parts of the United States.

I'm sure most of the prisoners of war in America's drug war would gladly take a flogging in return for their freedom.