An international human rights advocacy group is calling on Saudi Arabia to rights advocacy group is calling on Saudi Arabia to stop the suppression of human rights and dissent.
Human Rights Watch official Hanny Megally says Saudi citizens should be able to openly debate ideas and policies rather than have to take their activities underground or out of the kingdom. The official alleges that the Saudi ruling family perpetuates a system that breeds intolerance and political violence.
His comments came as Human Rights Watch issued a background report on rights in Saudi Arabia. The report says that reforms are urgently needed in the areas of religious freedom for both Muslims and non-Muslims as well as in the administration of justice, and women's rights.
Human Rights Watch is urging the United States, the European Union, and Saudi Arabia's fellow members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (G-C-C) to press Riyadh to enact reforms and ensure rights for the kingdom's residents, including foreigners.