(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - On its website, Amnesty International published an analysis of the draft law, condemning its treatment of peaceful dissent as "terrorist crimes".
After the international organization's analysis was published online on its website (www.amnesty.org), many journalists and activists in Saudi Arabia confirmed that they were unable to access the website on Monday, Amnesty International reported on its website.
Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Director stated, "Instead of attacking those raising concerns and attempting to block debate, the Saudi Arabian government should amend the draft law to ensure that it does not muzzle dissent and deny basic right".
The Saudi draft-law allows the extension of detention period without any charge or trial, and it proclaims harsh penalties for peaceful acts of dissent, Amnesty International added.
The Saudi draft law would also impose a minimum of 10-year sentence for all those who would "question the integrity of the royal family".
Malcolm added, "Saudi Arabia's blanket denials are at odds with the draft law's contents".
"The Saudi Arabian government is simply adding insult to injury by curtailing freedoms in the name of countering terrorism", Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Director affirmed.
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