Saudi Arabia: UN Experts Alarmed Over Crackdown on Freedom of Expression

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On 16 December 2015, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (SR FRDX) David Kaye, supported by other UN experts, published a press release expressing his deep concern over the growing repression of freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, mentioning the cases of blogger Raif Badawi and human rights defender Mikhlif Al Shammari, brought to the attention of the UN by Alkarama, as well as that of Saudi-born Palestinian poet Ashraf Fayadh.

"As the world struggles to fight terrible forms of violence, national authorities everywhere should avoid the targeting freedom of expression, especially against those who advocate tolerance, respect and human rights," said Mr Kaye. According to him, the sentencing of Badawi, Al Shammari and Fayadh constitute attacks on freedom of expression, which "deter critical thinking, public participation, and civic engagement, the very things that are crucial to human development and democratic culture."

Sentenced for online publications

Raif Badawi was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and 1,000 lashes for "insulting Islam through electronic channels." On 11 June 2015, Alkarama sent an urgent appeal to Juan Mendèz, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (SRT), asking him to urgently intervene with the Saudi authorities so they release Badawi or, at the very least, halt his punishment. "Promoting public flogging and capital punishment in response to the expression of ideas is not only inconsistent with international human rights law but also manifestly disproportionate," said the SR FRDX.

As for Al Shammari, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment and 200 lashes after a single hearing for a tweet stating that he had faith in tolerance between Sunni and Shia. Alkarama sent two urgent appeals to the UN Special Procedures on human rights regarding Al Shammari's case, requesting them to urge the Saudi authorities to release the human rights defender.

"We hope that the Saudi authorities will take seriously the calls from the UN independent experts to end this systematic practice of arbitrary detention and punishment of free and peaceful expression and eventually abide by their international obligations", said Radidja Nemar, Regional Legal Officer for the Gulf at Alkarama.

Alarmed over the current situation in Saudi Arabia, the UN SR FRDX urged the Government of Saudi Arabia "to revise its laws and practices to enable free expression by all, including artists and human rights defenders, and noted his continued willingness to visit the country in order to further discuss these concerns."

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