Case No
Country
Mandate(s)
Summary of the allegation transmitted
Reply
SAU 13/2014
31/10/2014 Saudi Arabia
JUA
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
religion; Human
rights defenders;
26/01/2015
Alleged sentencing of a blogger for “insulting Islam” under Anti-Cyber Crime Law.
According to the information received, on 7 May 2014, Mr. Raef Badawi, co-founder
of the Free Saudi Liberals website, was sentenced by the Jeddah District Criminal
Court to 10 years’ imprisonment, 1000 lashes and a fine of 1 million Saudi riyals
(266,545 USD). He was banned from using media outlets and a ten year travel ban
was imposed on him. On 1 September 2014, the sentence was upheld by the Jeddah
Court of Appeal. Grave concern is expressed at the sentencing of Mr. Badawi, which
appears to reflect a pattern of criminalizing the activities of human rights defenders in
Saudi Arabia. Further concern is expressed regarding the severe sentence that was
handed down to him. He was the subject of a previous communication sent on 31
January 2014, see A/HRC/26/21, case no. SAU 2/2014.
AUT 1/2014
03/11/2014 Austria
JAL
21/01/2015
Freedom of
Allegations concerning a draft revision of the 1912 Islamic Law which may impinge
religion; Minority on the religious autonomy of Islamic communities in Austria. According to the
issues;
information received, on 2 October 2014, the Government of Austria presented a draft
revision of the 1912 Islamic Law to Parliament and invited national stakeholders to
submit their comments by 7 November 2014. The draft revision allegedly contains
controversial provisions that attempt to regulate the content of teachings to Islamic
communities; prohibit continuous foreign funding of mosques and religious activities;
and further regulate the training, hiring and removal of Muslim clerics. Moreover,
there is concern that this may also affect clergies from other religious minorities.
A/HRC/28/85
108
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