I don't think the odds are that this will be rejected.
HRW Says Saudi Arabias Terrorism Law Targets Peaceful Speech
December 31, 2013
Saudi Arabias King Abdullah should reject a new counterterrorism law that criminalizes virtually any speech critical of the government or society. The Council of Ministers passed the Penal Law for Crimes of Terrorism and its Financing (the terrorism law) on December 16, 2013, and it awaits King Abdullahs promulgation by royal decree to go into effect, according to Human Rights Watch.
According to HRW, Saudi authorities have not released the text, but a December 16 Saudi Press Agency statement includes a definition of terrorism similar to that in a 2011 draft that had been leaked to international human rights organizations. The 2011 draft contained serious flaws, including an overbroad definition of terrorism; unwarranted limits on speech, assembly, and association; excessive police powers without judicial oversight; and violations of due process and the right to a fair trial.
King Abdullah should think long and hard before signing into law a definition of terrorism that would criminalize peaceful activities that have nothing to do with terrorist acts, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. King Abdullah should be easing the restrictions on Saudis rights, not setting in stone terrible counterterrorism measures.
Continue reading at:
HRW Says Saudi Arabia's Terrorism Law Targets Peaceful Speech Eurasia Review
HRW Says Saudi Arabias Terrorism Law Targets Peaceful Speech
December 31, 2013
Saudi Arabias King Abdullah should reject a new counterterrorism law that criminalizes virtually any speech critical of the government or society. The Council of Ministers passed the Penal Law for Crimes of Terrorism and its Financing (the terrorism law) on December 16, 2013, and it awaits King Abdullahs promulgation by royal decree to go into effect, according to Human Rights Watch.
According to HRW, Saudi authorities have not released the text, but a December 16 Saudi Press Agency statement includes a definition of terrorism similar to that in a 2011 draft that had been leaked to international human rights organizations. The 2011 draft contained serious flaws, including an overbroad definition of terrorism; unwarranted limits on speech, assembly, and association; excessive police powers without judicial oversight; and violations of due process and the right to a fair trial.
King Abdullah should think long and hard before signing into law a definition of terrorism that would criminalize peaceful activities that have nothing to do with terrorist acts, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. King Abdullah should be easing the restrictions on Saudis rights, not setting in stone terrible counterterrorism measures.
Continue reading at:
HRW Says Saudi Arabia's Terrorism Law Targets Peaceful Speech Eurasia Review
