shemp
15th May 2005, 03:41 PM
Long Sentences For Saudi Reformers (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/15/world/main695297.shtml)
(AP) A Saudi court on Sunday sentenced three reform advocates to jail terms of up to nine years, prompting a human rights activist to call the trial a "farce" and describe the sentences as too harsh.
The trial, which began last year, was seen as a response by the country's authoritarian rulers to the modest pro-reform movement's attempts to encourage political openness.
The three reform campaigners were found guilty of sowing dissent, disobeying their rulers and sedition, said their lawyer, Sheik Ibrahim al-Mubarak. Ali al-Dimeeni was sentenced to nine years, Abdullah al-Hamed to seven years and Matrouk al-Faleh to six years.
The three defendants are the last remaining detainees of 13 reformers who were arrested in March 2004 after openly criticizing the strict religious environment and slow pace of reform in the kingdom. Some of the reformers had signed a letter to Crown Prince Abdullah calling for political, economic and social reforms, including parliamentary elections.
The other 10 reformers were released on condition that they do not speak to the media or engage in activities that could be viewed as subversive.
The 13 reformers hold a variety of political views, from progressive to conservative. None are Islamic fundamentalists.
The Saudi royal family has absolute power. Saudis may not hold public gatherings to discuss political or social issues.
Well thank goodness this grave threat to a U.S. ally was stomped into the ground! All Americans can rest easy tonight, secure in the knowledge that the gasoline pumps will still be there for their SUVs in the morning!
(AP) A Saudi court on Sunday sentenced three reform advocates to jail terms of up to nine years, prompting a human rights activist to call the trial a "farce" and describe the sentences as too harsh.
The trial, which began last year, was seen as a response by the country's authoritarian rulers to the modest pro-reform movement's attempts to encourage political openness.
The three reform campaigners were found guilty of sowing dissent, disobeying their rulers and sedition, said their lawyer, Sheik Ibrahim al-Mubarak. Ali al-Dimeeni was sentenced to nine years, Abdullah al-Hamed to seven years and Matrouk al-Faleh to six years.
The three defendants are the last remaining detainees of 13 reformers who were arrested in March 2004 after openly criticizing the strict religious environment and slow pace of reform in the kingdom. Some of the reformers had signed a letter to Crown Prince Abdullah calling for political, economic and social reforms, including parliamentary elections.
The other 10 reformers were released on condition that they do not speak to the media or engage in activities that could be viewed as subversive.
The 13 reformers hold a variety of political views, from progressive to conservative. None are Islamic fundamentalists.
The Saudi royal family has absolute power. Saudis may not hold public gatherings to discuss political or social issues.
Well thank goodness this grave threat to a U.S. ally was stomped into the ground! All Americans can rest easy tonight, secure in the knowledge that the gasoline pumps will still be there for their SUVs in the morning!