Crisis Brewing: Saudi Crown Prince’s Harsh Response to Tweets

Saudi Crown Prince Confirms Death Sentence for Tweets: Bad Laws Have Become Worse Under MBS

Introduction

In a recent interview with Fox News, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) confirmed the death sentence of retired teacher Muhammed al Ghamdi for his social media posts. While MBS acknowledged the existence of “bad laws” that need to be changed, he failed to highlight that these laws have worsened under his rule. Moreover, human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have reached alarming levels during his leadership, with death sentences and long prison terms being handed out for mere social media posts.

The Counterterrorism Law and its Impact on Human Rights

The death sentence imposed on al Ghamdi stems from Saudi Arabia’s highly controversial counterterrorism law, which was reissued in 2017 after MBS assumed power. The law has been widely criticized for its abusive provisions, and court documents reviewed by Human Rights Watch confirm that al Ghamdi was sentenced to death under a range of articles from this law.

Under MBS’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has witnessed an unprecedented deterioration in human rights. It is troubling that the country’s worst period for human rights abuses has occurred under his rule. By allowing the use of death sentences and excessive punishments for social media posts, MBS has contributed to a climate of fear and repression in Saudi Arabia.

Centralization of Power and Abuse of Prosecution Service

One key aspect of MBS’s consolidation of power has been the centralization of authority over the prosecution service and security apparatus. The Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution was separated from the Interior Ministry and reestablished as the Public Prosecution, an allegedly independent entity reporting directly to the king. While the prosecution service has long been used as an instrument of repression in Saudi Arabia, MBS’s ascent to the crown prince position in 2017 resulted in a significant escalation of its abuse. This escalation continued when the prosecution service and security apparatus came under the direct oversight of the royal court and MBS himself.

Such consolidation of power raises serious concerns, particularly for states considering major security agreements with Saudi Arabia. If MBS cannot accurately present the facts about his own laws, it casts doubt on his trustworthiness and commitment to reform.

A Call for International Scrutiny and Action

The confirmation of the death sentence for tweets is further evidence of the alarming erosion of freedom of speech and expression in Saudi Arabia under MBS’s leadership. It is imperative that the international community holds the Saudi government accountable for its human rights abuses. States must carefully evaluate their relationships with Saudi Arabia and consider imposing consequences on Riyadh for its blatant disregard for basic human rights.

In addition, organizations and individuals committed to promoting human rights should continue to raise awareness about the deteriorating situation in Saudi Arabia and support efforts to protect the rights of those unjustly targeted by the regime. Donations play a crucial role in supporting global initiatives aimed at stopping human rights violations and saving lives.

Conclusion

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s confirmation of the death sentence for tweets highlights the worsening state of freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia. The counterterrorism law, which he admits is flawed, has been used as a tool to suppress dissent and instill fear among the populace. The centralization of power under MBS’s leadership has further enabled human rights abuses, with the prosecution service becoming an instrument of repression.

It is now the duty of the international community to condemn the actions of the Saudi government and apply pressure to ensure that fundamental human rights are protected. States considering security agreements with Saudi Arabia should carefully evaluate their involvement, weighing the potential for complicity in human rights abuses. Only through concerted efforts and sustained attention can we hope to bring about lasting change in Saudi Arabia and protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens.