Loujain AlHathloul Sentenced to 5 Years and 8 Months in Prison for her Activism by the Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia

28 Dec 2020 – After 958 days in detention, a majority of which was spent in pre-trial detention, Loujain AlHathloul a leading Saudi women’s rights activist was sentenced to 5 years and 8 months in prison in court today by the Specialised Criminal Court (terrorism court). The sentence includes a suspension of 2 years and[…]

Dispatch on US and UK involvement in war crimes in Yemen

Overview of the Conflict Since the war began in 2015 coalition forces have regularly violated international humanitarian law through unlawful airstrikes which targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure including mosques, hospitals, schools, homes, and markets, the use of banned cluster munitions, engaging in a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture of perceived political opponents[…]

Germany’s double standards and Women’s Rights Defenders in Saudi Arabia

“In many parts of the world we are seeing the space for civil society shrinking. In many parts of the world, human rights defenders, journalists and NGOs are being intimidated and harassed. If we are serious about our commitment to human rights, then we need to work for their protection” said Heiko Maas, the German[…]

G20 Leaders: Help Free Saudi Activists

Throughout Oct – Nov 2020, Saudi Arabia is hosting the G20 (including Women 20, Civil Society 20, Urban 20 and Business 20). We are now calling on all government officials to use their power and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Saudi Activists. Since May 2018 the Free Saudi Activists Coalition has[…]

US – Gulf Relations: Congressional responsibility in the protection of human rights

The United States Constitution places Congress as a coequal branch of the Federal Government and specifically makes clear its authority to regulate and hold accountable the actions of the President, even in the field of foreign affairs. Federal statutes also lay out the mechanisms by which private arms sales can be made to foreign governments:[…]