Saudi Arabia has sentenced 14 people to death over their participation in 2011 pro-democracy protests in Shia-populated region of Qatif in Eastern Province.
Saudi Arabia has sentenced 14 people to death over their participation in 2011 pro-democracy protests in Shia-populated region of Qatif in Eastern Province.
Al-Arabiya TV reported the ruling, saying the 14 people were " convicted of attacks on police."
Nine others were handed long-term jail sentences, Reuters news agency quoted their defense lawyer as saying on condition of anonymity.
The lawyer said that the jail terms were 15 years, noting that one person was acquitted.
He added that 24 defendants had been held for about three years and accused of allegedly carrying weapons and shooting at police.
Riyadh triggered a diplomatic crisis and international outcry after executing prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr along with 46 others in January in defiance of international calls for their release.
Those executed were convicted of attacks on police during protests in Qatif which is known for pro-democracy demonstrations by Shia Muslims and a heavy-handed crackdown by authorities.
Saudi Arabia’s Shia citizens face systematic discrimination in public education, government employment, and permission to build houses of worship in the country.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly dismissed the judicial processes that lead to the conviction of political dissidents in Saudi Arabia.
In mid-May, Human Rights Watch said Saudi Arabia’s trial of 32 men for allegedly spying on behalf of Iran is a “mockery of justice” because it “has violated the basic due process rights of the defendants.”
According to Human Rights Watch, Saudi authorities have not permitted the defendants to meet with lawyers or provided all of the court documents necessary to prepare a defense after more than three years of detention and investigation.
Family of Munir Al Adam who is arrested at the Saudi jails issued a statement in which it rejected the death sentence against him (Munir), demanding the authorities to relea
