The most obscure or innocuous-sounding offenses can take on new meaning in justice systems used by autocrats for their own ends.
Tag: Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Quiet Changes May Ease Tensions With Biden
The new president is a Saudi critic, but he takes office as the kingdom scales back beheadings, removes hate speech from text books and limits prison terms for activists.
Fiji Will Lead U.N. Rights Body, Over Russian and Chinese Opposition
The vote ended a proxy battle waged by China, Russia and Saudi Arabia, which sought to strengthen their influence by installing a more compliant candidate.
U.S. to Declare Yemen’s Houthis a Terrorist Group, Raising Fears of Fueling a Famine
The State Department’s terrorist designation may be more symbolic than searing for the rebel movement, but it could aggravate Yemen’s human catastrophe.
Saudi Arabia Will Cut Its Oil Production, Allowing Russia’s to Grow
Oil prices rose to levels not seen since February. The two major oil producers had been moving in lock step since an April agreement to cut output.
Saudi Arabia Will Reopen Borders With Qatar, Easing a Regional Rift
An American official said the agreement was a prelude to a broader agreement to end a boycott of Qatar by its Gulf neighbors that has lasted for more than three years.
Loujain al-Halthloul, Saudi Rights Activist, Gets Prison Sentence
Loujain al-Hathloul, who was arrested just before the driving ban was lifted, was charged with undermining the kingdom in a case that supporters decried as a political persecution.
U.S. Considers Granting Immunity to Saudi Prince in Suspected Assassination Attempt
If the request is granted, it could potentially provide a legal basis to dismiss a separate case against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump Incentives for Signing Peace Accords With Israel Could Be at Risk
Diplomatic sweeteners for joining the Abraham Accords that were offered to Morocco, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates could be rejected by Congress or reversed by the incoming Biden administration.
Saudi Court Jails Saudi-American Doctor Despite U.S. Pressure
American officials have said privately that the charges against the doctor, Walid Fitaihi, were politically motivated.