Amnesty: Saudi anti-terror law would strangle peaceful protest

Amnesty: Saudi anti-terror law would strangle peaceful protest

2011-07-22 23:49:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Amnesty International on Friday criticized a draft Saudi Arabian anti-terrorism law saying it would allow the authorities to prosecute peaceful dissenters for terrorist crimes.



The London-based rights group said it obtained copies of the draft law, which would also allow extended detention without charge or trial. The law also imposes a minimum prison sentence of 10 years on anyone who questions the integrity of the King or the Crown Prince.

"This draft law poses a serious threat to freedom of expression in the Kingdom in the name of preventing terrorism," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director.



"If passed it would pave the way for even the smallest acts of peaceful dissent to be branded terrorism and risk massive human rights violations."



The organization said that the definition of "terrorist crimes" in the draft is so broad that it lends itself to wide interpretation and abuse. Violations of the law would carry harsh punishments, including the death penalty.



"At a time when people throughout the Middle East and North Africa have been exercising their legitimate right to express dissent and call for change, Saudi Arabian authorities have been seeking to squash this right for its citizens," said Philip Luther. 



"King Abdullah must reconsider this law and ensure that his people's legitimate right to freedom of expression is not curtailed in the name of fighting terrorism."

A Saudi Arabian government security committee reviewed the draft law in June but it is not known when or if it might be passed.

The leak of the draft comes as ongoing peaceful protests across the Middle East and North Africa are being met with government repression. Saudi Arabia, however, has not yet seen the massive protests that have rocked the region in the past months.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-22