Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin
Researcher of Political Science & Classical Islam. Initiated by the Khwajagan i-Naqshband.
RISE OF AL-MAHDI: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ON PROPOSED SAUDI ARABIAN ANTI-TERROR LAW
Three colossal statues in red sandstone represent the rulers of the ancient Arabian kingdom of Lihyan, which played an important part in the caravan trade.
22 July 2011
A draft Saudi Arabian anti-terrorism law obtained by Amnesty International would allow the authorities to prosecute peaceful dissent as a terrorist crime.
The organization has obtained copies of the Draft Penal Law for Terrorism Crimes and Financing of Terrorism, which would also allow extended detention without charge or trial. Questioning the integrity of the King or the Crown Prince would carry a minimum prison sentence of 10 years.
The leak of the draft comes as ongoing peaceful protests across the Middle East and North Africa are being met with government repression.
“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.”
A Saudi Arabian government security committee reviewed the draft law in June but it is not known when or if it might be passed. More
Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin 