Iran Press- According to Human Rights Watch, Saudi national, Israa al-Ghomgham, a Shia activist arrested with her husband in 2015, will be tried in the country’s terrorism tribunal even though charges she faces relate to peaceful activism.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch (HRW ) said: "Any execution is appalling, but seeking the death penalty for activists like Israa al-Ghomgham, who are not even accused of violent behaviour, is monstrous."
According to HRW , Ghomgham faces charges that “do not resemble recognisable crimes”, together with her husband, Moussa al-Hashem, and three other defendants.
They include participating in protests, chanting slogans against the Al-e-Saud Royal family, attempting to inflame public opinion and filming protests and publishing on social media.
Saudi Shia citizens face considerable discrimination in their own country, because they are a minority disliked by the ruling Al-e-Saud Royal family, including obstacles to seeking work and education, and restrictions on religious practice.
Israa al-Ghomgham is next due in court on 28 October, and the trial will cast a further shadow on crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to portray himself as a modernising reformer.
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