The European Union has renewed its criticism of Saudi Arabia’s limits on rights and freedoms.
On 26 February 2021, in the framework of discussions of Item Two at the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, held 22 February-23 March 2021, the Portuguese representative, Mr. Rui Macieira, gave a speech on behalf of the EU, raising concerns about Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on civil and political rights.
The speech noted that this concern is heightened by the ongoing use of the terrorism law to prosecute civilians and activists.
Macieira added that Saudi Arabia’s release of human rights advocate, Loujain al-Hathloul, and its reduced use of the death penalty are a step in the right direction.
Special rapporteurs sent a letter to the Saudi government in January 2021, expressing concern that the terrorism law is “aimed at limiting fundamental freedoms and basic principles of international human rights law” and “may be used in a manner that may severely restrict the legitimate and internationally protected activities of certain political or religious groups.”