Case No
Country
Mandate(s)
Summary of the allegation transmitted
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
religion;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Minority
issues; Summary
executions;
Alleged arbitrary detention, inhumane treatment, lack of adequate medical treatment
and infringement of due process and fair trial guarantees. According to the
information received, on 8 July 2014, Sheikh Nimr Baqir Al-Nimr, a 55-year-old who
had been denouncing the Saudi Arabian Government over discrimination faced by
members of the Shi’a community, was arrested and detained without charge by Saudi
Arabian security forces in al-Awwamiya, Eastern Province. On 25 March 2013, his
case was sent to the Specialized Criminal Court where the prosecution accused him of
"haraba" or banditry, which carries the death penalty. In a hearing that took place in
August 2014, the Saudi prosecution allegedly demanded his “death by crucifixion”
under several new accusations, including “igniting sectarian incitements”, “aiding
terrorists” and “waging war on God”. Information received indicates that Sheikh AlNimr could be executed at any time. Concerns are raised about the fairness of the
proceedings which did not comply with international human rights law and his health
conditions while in detention.
USA 14/2014
African descent;
28/08/2014 United States of Freedom of
JAL
America
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Minority issues;
Racism;
Summary
executions;
Allegations of the killing of a young African-American man, and of the subsequent
excessive use of force and acts of intimidation against demonstrators and journalists in
the city of Ferguson, Missouri. According to the information received, a series of
largely peaceful protests have recently taken place in the city of Ferguson in response
to the police shooting of Mr. Michael Brown, a local African-American teenager, on 9
August 2014. They have reportedly been met with excessive use of force by law
enforcement officials, who have shot tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters and
bystanders, including journalists. On 13 and 19 August 2014, four journalists were
assaulted by police, detained for a short period of time, and released without charges.
A related communication was sent on 29 August 2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case no
USA 15/2013.
SAU 9/2014
28/08/2014 Saudi Arabia
JUA
Reply
A/HRC/28/85
70
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