A/HRC/43/51/Add.3 Allegations concerning the execution of 37 individuals on 23 April 2019, including Mr. Munir Al-Adam, and the wave of arrests in the period 4-9 April 2019 of intellectuals, writers, and human rights defenders, including Mr. Bader Al Ibrahim; Mr. Thamar Al Marzogi; Ms. Khadija Al Harbi; Mr. Abdullah Saad Al Shehri; Ms. Shaika Hamad Al Orf; Mr. Fahad Aba Al Khail; Mr. Mohammad Al Sadiq; Mr. Salah Al Haidar; Mr. Moqbel Al Saqqar; Mr. Yazed Al Faife; Mr. Ayman Al Drees; Mr. Abdullah Al Dehailan; Mr. Nayef Al Hindas; Mr. Redah Ali Al Boori and Mr. Ali Abdullah Al Saffar. 706. PR 27/09/2019 Saudi Arabia: UN experts urge freedom for Loujain Al-Hathloul after 500 days in prison 707. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Saudi Arabia for its replies to the communications sent on 8 February 2019 and 15 July 2019. He further takes note of the Government’s acknowledgement of receipt of the communication sent on 5 July 2019, however he deeply regrets that no substantial response was provided to this communication, despite the serious allegations contained therein. 708. Concerns about the targeting of women human rights defenders and defenders of women’s rights, especially those involved in the right to drive movements, were raised in the previous reporting period. The Special Rapporteur regrets that, according to allegations received and raised with the Government, this trend has continued. In this context, he expresses grave concern about the alleged detention, torture, sexual harassment and illtreatment of six women human rights defenders in prison, including in the form of gender based violence. The brutality of the allegations raises serious concern at the physical and psychological well-being of the six women defenders. The concerns in this case are heightened by the fact that the violations against two of the women human rights defenders have been reported as acts of intimidation and reprisal for cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. 709. While the Government’s response concerning this case outlines several laws applicable with regards to national security, cybercrime and criminal procedure, it does not sufficiently explain how these laws are compatible with international human rights standards and generally justifies restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression by referring to the need to maintain public order and support national unity. 710. The Government’s response also states that the six women were arrested for having committed offences punishable under the law and not for the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. However, it fails to provide specific information on the factual grounds for their arrest and detention. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government’s response did not address the main concerns put forth by him. He encourages the Government to provide substantive answers to all the questions raised in his communication, including detailed information on the investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment and genderbased violence, including sexual harassment, against the six women human rights defenders. 711. The Special Rapporteur wishes to remind the Government that the work of human rights defenders is not prejudicial to national security or unity, but rather further enhances the functioning of a free and liberal society, creating a vibrant civic space and promoting dialogue on policy matters. The Special Rapporteur also reaffirms that restrictions on the right to freedom of expression are not legitimate when they seek to silence legitimate criticism. 712. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Saudi Arabia for the response provided to his communication dated 15 July 2019. He takes note of the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to international human rights treaties and is grateful for the Governments response to each of the questions raised and information supplied. The Special Rapporteur however remains seriously concerned at the criminalisation of human rights defenders, who are frequently being labelled as terrorists for exercising their right to free speech and freedom of assembly and association. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his dismay at the execution of 37 individuals and he reminds the Government of the United Nations Safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty 96