This statement was made by the Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry when announcing the execution of 'Abdullah 'Abd al-Rahman al-Hudayf, a Saudi Arabian, in August 2006. 'Abdullah 'Abd al-Rahman al-Hudayf had been charged with having connections with a banned opposition party and attacking a police officer. He was held incommunicado, denied access to a lawyer and convicted after a secret trial.

Saudi Arabia does not permit any criticism of the state. Vague laws on "sabotage" and "terrorism" are used to prosecute perceived government opponents. No political organizations are allowed. Even trade unions and independent bar associations are not allowed. Any challenge to official policy invariably results in retaliatory action involving the violation of basic human rights.

Over the years, thousands of people have been detained for their political beliefs or activities. Today, there are probably between 100 and 200 political prisoners, including possible prisoners of conscience, in Saudi Arabia's jails. Political suspects are often arrested with unnecessary violence, tortured and held incommunicado for prolonged periods. Some have been executed. Others have fled the country on their release fearing further persecution.


Sheikh Salman bin Fahd al-'Awda © CDLR
Sheikh Salman bin Fahd al-'Awda and Sheikh Safr 'Abd al-Rahman al-Hawali were arrested in September 1994 for their religious and political opposition activities. Following their arrest, the Interior Ministry stated:

"Security forces have arrested... [them] after about one year of attempts to convince... [them] to repent their extremist ideas... which threaten the unity of the Islamic society in the Kingdom, or to stop giving such speeches, holding conferences and distributing tapes..."

They were released in June 1999, apparently without charge or trial.

Members of religious minorities are not able to practice freely their beliefs in public and are at risk of arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation even if they do so in private. Shi'a Muslims risk arrest if they possess Shi'a religious books or commemorate Shi'a religious events. Those promoting rights for Shi'a Muslims have been detained and tortured. Christians and members of other faiths have also been targeted. In October 1999, 13 Filipinos were arrested while participating in private Christian services. They were held incommunicado for a few weeks before being released without charge or trial. Amnesty International believes they were prisoners of conscience, held like many others solely for the peaceful expression of their views.