Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of new laws which define atheists as terrorists, according to a report from Human Rights Watch.In a string of royal decrees and an overarching new piece of legislation to deal with terrorism generally, the Saudi King Abdullah has clamped down on all forms of political dissent and protests that could "harm public order".The new laws have largely been brought in to combat the growing number of Saudis travelling to take part in the civil war in Syria, who have previously returned with newfound training and ideas about overthrowing the monarchy.To that end, King Abdullah issued Royal Decree 44, which criminalises "participating in hostilities outside the kingdom" with prison sentences of between three and 20 years, Human Rights Watch said.Yet last month further regulations were issued by the Saudi interior ministry, identifying a broad list of groups which the government considers to be terrorist organisations - including the Muslim Brotherhood.Article one of the new provisions defines terrorism as "calling for atheist thought in any form, or calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based".Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director of Human Rights Watch, said: "Saudi authorities have never tolerated criticism of their policies, but these recent laws and regulations turn almost any critical expression or independent association into crimes of terrorism."These regulations dash any hope that King Abdullah intends to open a space for peaceful dissent or independent groups," Mr Stork said.Human Rights Watch said the new regulations were also a setback to campaigns for the protection and release of a number of prominent human rights activists currently jailed in Saudi Arabia. It said Waleed Abu al-Khair and Mikhlif al-Shammari recently lost appeals and will soon begin three-month and five-year respective sentences for criticizing Saudi authorities.The organisation said the new "terrorism" provisions contain language that prosecutors and judges are already using to prosecute and convict independent activists and peaceful dissidents.
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There's a hefty doseof ironyin defining anything that isn't fundamental Islamist estremism as 'terrorism', ya think??
Yes . Leftist thought patterns are highly predictable and highly inaccurate ...
i don't find it scary in the least.
There are political nutcases in every country, and they make bizarre statements. And human beings being what they are, there are occasional abuses. But here's the difference-- in the U.S. nutcases can rant and rave, but I am not as much of a scardy cat as you-- I don't see Atheism actually becoming illegal in the U.S.
But in Saudi AArabia, these things not only becomer law, but the law is enforced!
You actually believe it possible, that even if such a fooloish proclmation was made by a conservative POTUS, that it would have anylegal ramifications? Besides having them removed from office? C'mon, our basic structure wouldn't even come close to allowing such a thing.
All of you fears ae based on far out "what if" speculation. Like most "nervous Nellies" what's feeding your extreme fear & anxiety is focusing on the possibility of the worst case scenario.
Do you really believe that President Obama is a member of "wackadoodle Religious Right"...? (And it should be noted that he was elected with a solid majorhity0. And the future? The %age of Hispanic voters is increasing much more rapidly than other groups. And ypnger folks? Significantly democratic.
To say nothing of the fact that the right wing of the Republican Party is doing its best to alienate women-- obviously a major demographic. Oh-- and then there are gays...and blacks...and...
All of which does not bode well for any Republican-- let alone one on the far right-- getting the White House. So if you choose to go to bed each night quaking in fear and para oia-- well, that's your choice! (But it does seem that you are more than just a little bit of a drama queen!
)..
Its one thing to be ignorant-- but another thing to flaunt your ignorance. The fact is, not only have I been reading about it in the (often uninformed and/or biased media), but I had in the past actually been a "womens' rights" activist myself (at the time I was dating a brilliant lawyer who was a part of the "inner circles" of NOW).
I agree that they re real-- but I never said they weren't. So what the "fave the facts"? I agree that they are real. (What facts are you accusing me of not facing?)
I never said anything about "Death panels"-- you just now brought that up....
I agree.
I never said that wasn't real. (I suggest you actually read what I said before replying to it!
)
Dear Friend Badfish: Travel tip. Don't book a vacation on a beach when it isn't close to any ocean or lake.
All beach and no water messes up things like fishing, swimming and boating.
Yours in Coppertone, Enoch.
Here is a thought. Let's calling terrorist activity terrorist, and outlaw that.
Let's leave each to decide for themselves, but not for others what they wish to believe or not believe. This has not any tidy thing to do with terrorism.
Peace, Blessings, and Freedom of Thought and Belief for One and All.
Enoch.