This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
A more recent high-profile case involved 16 men, including nine prominent reformists. They were sentenced to up to 30 years for allegedly trying to seize power by financing terrorism with laundered money. Their charges and trial had no legitimacy whatever. They were victimized for advocating political change and human rights.
AI said Saudi authorities "launched a new wave of repression in the name of security." Human rights protesters have been brutally oppressed. At the same time, a new anti-terror law exacerbates the absence of civil and human rights.
Last June, AI got a leaked copy. Provisions in it include:
- prosecuting peaceful dissent as terrorism and "harming the reputation of the state or its position;"
- a minimum of 10 years imprisonment for anyone questioning the integrity of the king or crown prince;
- authorities will have carte blanche power to detain alleged security suspects indefinitely without charge or trial; and
- terrorism's definition is expanded to include endangering "national unity" and/or questioning the integrity of the king or regime.
Overall, abusive practices will be legalized, including an anything goes policy of crushing dissent.
Saudi Arabia's Repressive Government
Saudi state power rests solely with the king and ruling Al Saud family. He especially wields absolute power to rule despotically. The nation's Constitution affords ordinary citizens and other residents no rights. Women are especially marginalized and denied.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
