VP/HR — New terrorism laws in Saudi Arabia

16.4.2014

Question for written answer E-004916-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

New terrorism laws in Saudi Arabia give the government extensive powers to criminalise almost any individual or organisation perceived as being critical of the government or the state religion. The new terrorism laws include provisions criminalising the acts of ‘calling for atheist thought in any form, or calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based’ and ‘anyone who throws away their loyalty to the country’s rulers, or who swears allegiance to any party, organisation, current [of thought], group, or individual inside or outside [the kingdom]’.

1. Is the VP/HR aware of these changes and, if so, what is her assessment of them?

2. Does the VP/HR agree that such laws are contrary to the fundamental freedoms of thought, religion and belief? If not, why not?

3. Does the VP/HR agree that these new laws could constitute a worrying development in a country which lacks a free and open democratic society, and where freedom of speech, freedom of the media and freedom of expression are already restricted? If not, why not?

4. Has the VP/HR addressed this issue with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? If not, does the VP/HR plan to do so in the future?

OJ C 405, 14/11/2014