Proposed Saudi counter terrorism law that ‘jails for criticizing king’ sparks outrage
Washington, July 23: Human rights activists have said that a counter-terrorism law proposed by the Saudi Arabian government, that mandates jail sentences for criticizing the king, would effectively quash political dissent.
The proposed law would give the Interior Ministry broad powers and mandate jail terms for speaking against the king.
Additionally, the law would allow prisoners to be held with no bail and trials and appeals would be handled secretly, both Saudi and international rights advocates have said.
The new law gives Interior Ministry the ability to tap telephones or search houses without permission from the judiciary, the New York Times reports.