Death sentences of Shiites point to limits of Saudi reforms

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Death sentences of Shiites point to limits of Saudi reforms

By AYA BATRAWY
55 minutes ago

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s new crown prince hopes to transform the kingdom and modernize society, but the planned execution of 14 Shiite protesters charged with violence against security forces suggests the government’s handling of sectarian tensions and unrest remains unchanged.

The country’s supreme court recently upheld the death penalty in the case, raising concerns among rights activists that the group could be executed at any moment.

Human rights groups allege the trial was unfair, saying the defendants’ confessions were extracted under duress and that some did not have lawyers present in court. Three of the defendants were 17 years old when the alleged crimes were committed.

A defense lawyer contacted by The Associated Press declined to speak, saying he is officially barred from talking about the case with the media.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/497892f4d6c54db490841b1982fc3ec6/Death-sentences-of-Shiites-point-to-limits-of-Saudi-reforms

[democratisphere]

1. No wonder drumpf and S.A. get along so well.

Alternative facts.