Amnesty reports torture of detained Saudi activists News
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Amnesty reports torture of detained Saudi activists

Amnesty International (AI) reported on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia is arbitrarily detaining and torturing human rights activists.

According to the report, Saudi authorities have been arbitrarily detaining activists, including women, in the Dhahban Prison since May. The activists are reportedly subjected to torture, including electroshock and flogging, “leaving some unable to walk or stand properly.” AI said several activists were placed in solitary confinement, and at least one female activist has experienced sexual harassment by prison authorities.

AI’s Middle East research director, Lynn Maalouf said, “Only a few weeks after the ruthless killing of Jamal Khashoggi, these shocking reports of torture, sexual harassment and other forms of ill-treatment, if verified, expose further outrageous human rights violations by the Saudi authorities.” She went on to say that the detained activists are subjected to “horrendous physical suffering.”

AI called for the Saudi government to immediately release the human rights activists and to launch a complete investigation into the reports of torture.

The Saudi government has faced criticism for its treatment of political dissidents. Last month a Saudi public prosecutor announced that the murder of Khashoggi was premeditated. Last week the US Treasury Department announced economic sanctions against Saudi Arabia for Khashoggi’s murder.