Political scientists have characterized Mohamed bin Zayed as the strongman leader of an authoritarian regime,[1][2][3][4] as there are no free and fair elections,[62] political and civil rights are limited,[63] free speech is restricted,[63][64] and there are no free and independent media.[62] According to the human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the UAE practices torture, arbitrary detention and forced disappearance of citizens and residents.[65][63]