Saudi Arabia: Atheists Are Terrorists

A series of royal decrees and laws in Saudi Arabia are defining terrorists – and atheists, peaceful protesters, members of the Muslim Brotherhood as well as those who leave to fight wars in other country, particularly Syria, all qualify, suggests a Human Rights Watch report. The crimes can be published with prison sentences up to 20 years. “Article one of the new provisions defines terrorism as ‘calling for atheist thought in any form, or calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based,’” reports Adam Withnall for the Independent. A Human Rights Watch spokesperson suggests that the new rules transform independent thought and critical expression into crimes, and “The organisation said the new ‘terrorism provisions contain language that prosecutors and judges are already using to prosecute and convict independent activists and peaceful dissidents.” – YaleGlobal