VP/HR — Activists sentenced to prison in Saudi Arabia

12.2.2018

Question for written answer E-000876-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Barbara Matera (PPE)

On 25 January 2018, two human rights activists, Mohammad al-Otaibi and Abdullah al-Attawi, were handed prison sentences in Saudi Arabia for setting up an unauthorised organisation and for a series of other offences, including dividing national unity, and spreading chaos and inciting public opinion by publishing statements harmful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This troubling development does not reflect well on the new leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

Will the EU push for the men’s release?

Can the procedure of gaining asylum in the EU be expedited in cases such as these?