Overview

Saudi Arabia is one of the worst human rights violators on the planet. Executions and horrific forms of torture await not just hardened criminals, but anyone who dares to speak out against the regime. And you can do little to defend yourself against trumped-up charges laid against you, thanks to an entirely unaccountable legal system.

From 2018 to 2020, nearly all prominent human rights activists in the country either were imprisoned or escaped. No human rights groups are allowed in the kingdom. Since 2011 any public gathering, including protests, have been classed as “inciting people against the authorities” and carry a jail term – or worse. These punishments are made worse if you are not part of the male, Sunni elite. Women have few rights, and those of Shi’a background are also persecuted.

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