Middle East News
Amnesty International criticizes Saudi anti-terror draft law
Jul 22, 2011, 10:12 GMT
Cairo- Rights group 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.
'This draft law poses a serious threat to freedom of expression in the kingdom in the name of preventing terrorism,' said Philip Luther, the human rights organization'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,' he added.
The organization said it had obtained copies of the draft law, which it added would allow extended detention without charge or trial.
'The definition of terrorism crimes in the draft is so broad that it lends itself to wide interpretation and abuse and would in effect criminalize legitimate dissent,' it said.
A Saudi government security committee reviewed the draft law in June, but it is not known when or if it might be passed.
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