An Emirati couple are under investigation for allegedly torturing their six-year-old boy for being a 'hyper-active genius'.
The mother and father are suspected of beating, burning and starving him in apparent annoyance at the child.
It is claimed that the parents were angered that he memorised and repeated conversations that they had at home with other people, ate too much and was frequently hyper-active.
A Dubai Public Prosecution official on Tuesday confirmed that the case had been referred to it by Dubai Police’s Human Rights Department.
The parents face initial charges of physically abusing their son.
Officers were alerted to the child's case by teachers at his school.
The second grader’s teachers noticed that he arrived at school with bruises and burn marks, police said.
“The school said that the child has a sharp and observant mind but they noticed bruises they said looked like they were caused by a cable," said Brigadier Mohammed Al Murr, director of human rights department.
On examination, he said the boy had burns in "different, hidden parts of the child’s body, including between his toes.”
He said the child's mother works as a teacher in a private school, though did not say whether the boy attended the same school.
The parents were called in and the father denied the accusations, while the mother admitted being tough with the child, only because her son was 'hyper-active'.
The mother memorised conversations that took place in the house, repeating them to others at times.
“She admitted depriving him of food because he ate too much, despite having a small build,” said Brigadier Al Murr.
“The child was also present and he gave a full and clear statement.
"He spoke about the methods used to torture him, including being tied and being banned from food and school work."
A report from the Human Development Authority examined the child and described him as "extremely intelligent".
Twenty nine cases of physical abuse and negligence against children were registered at the Dubai Police's Women and Children Protection Department in the first six months of this year.
