UN Blames Saudi Arabia for Using Anti-Terror Laws to Prove Torture

Saudi Arabia is using anti-terror legislation to justify torture, suppress dissent and detain human rights activists, a new report by the UN has found following a five-day official inspection of the country at the invitation of the government.
The British QC Ben Emmerson reportedly met with senior Saudi politicians, judges, police and prosecutors during his trip, but was denied access to many prisons where human rights defenders are locked up.
“Those who peacefully exercise their right to freedom of expression are systematically persecuted in Saudi Arabia,” the report says. “Many languish in prison for years. Others have been executed after blatant miscarriages of justice.”
“A culture of impunity prevails for public officials who are guilty of acts of torture and other ill-treatment. Peaceful avenues for redress of grievances are foreclosed by the use of repressive measures to silence civil society.”
Torture includes electric shocks, sleep deprivation, being held incommunicado for prolonged periods of solitary detention, and beatings to the head, face, jaw, and feet, the report alleges.
Moreover, the inquiry was completed before the most recent wave of arrests of human rights activists and bloggers including 11 female activists in recent weeks.
But somewhat ironically, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is being hailed worldwide as a reformist figure for “liberalising” the kingdom, despite his authoritarian approach to domestic and foreign policy.
> Shiuly Rina