Mr. Hashim Hussein Salman -43 year - from Mutairafy town ,Al-Ahsa is awaiting trial expected in the coming days on charges of witchcraft.
Salman was arrested in last August when he stopped at a routine traffic police checkpoint .The policeman noticed a written traditional shia prayer in his car. He was, then, charged with witchcraft, which he rejected strongly and refused to sign false confessions recorded by the investigator intending to incriminate him. He insisted to sing re-written confessions with his own words. Relatives told that Salman was exposed to degrading treatment in AL-Mubarraz city police station.
Shia citizens suffer blatant discrimination as to worship practices and personal freedoms. Saudi authorities have been recently subjecting shia drivers for inspection without any suspicion of criminal or security charges. Those who carry written Islamic prayers according to shia sect are accused with shirk, which is punishable by flogging and imprisonment. It is feared that Salman may face the death penalty.
There is news that confirm five similar cases of arrests took place before the month of Ramadan, but not sure whether the defendants were brought to trial or were only detained after interrogation in police stations.
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