Admin l Wednesday, October 06, 2021
WASHINGTON – The United States of America has expressed disappointment following the decision of a Saudi court to uphold the 20 year prison sentence on a Saudi aid worker, Abdulrahman al-Sadhan.
In a statement, Department Spokesman, Ned Price said the United States is disappointed that Abdulrahman al-Sadman could be sentenced for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.
“We have closely monitored his case and are concerned by allegations that Mr. al-Sadhan was subjected to mistreatment, that he has been unable to communicate with family members, and that his fair trial guarantees were not respected.
“As we have underscored to Saudi officials at all levels, the peaceful exercise of universal rights should never be a punishable offense”, the department said in the statement.
“We are disappointed by the reports that a Saudi court has upheld the 20-year prison sentence followed by an equal length travel ban for Saudi aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.
“We have closely monitored his case and are concerned by allegations that Mr. al-Sadhan was subjected to mistreatment, that he has been unable to communicate with family members, and that his fair trial guarantees were not respected.
“As we have underscored to Saudi officials at all levels, the peaceful exercise of universal rights should never be a punishable offense.
“We will continue to elevate the role of human rights in our relations with Saudi Arabia and to encourage legal reforms that advance respect for human rights of all individuals”.
