PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 23/004/2007

31 January 2007

UA 22/07 Imminent Execution

SAUDI ARABIA Abbas (m)

A man known only as Abbas is reportedly due to be executed shortly for his part in a murder. He is reportedly detained in al-Dammam prison, in the country's Eastern Province.

According to a 26 January report in the Saudi Arabian daily newspaper al-Riyadh, Abbas "could be executed in the coming days". He was sentenced to death on murder charges in about 2000. He was apparently pardoned by the victim's relatives in exchange for payment of four million Riyals (approximately $1,000,000) as diya(financial compensation). However, Abbas’s family is said to be unable to pay the diyaand Abbas is therefore at risk of execution.

At least five people are known to have been executed so far this year, though the true figure may be much higher.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Saudi Arabia applies the death penalty for a wide range of offences. Court proceedings fall far short of international standards for fair trial.

Defendants are rarely allowed formal representation by a lawyer, and in many cases are not informed of the progress of legal proceedings against them. They may be convicted solely on the basis of confessions obtained under duress or deception.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English, Arabic or your own language:

- calling on the authorities to stop the execution of Abbas immediately, and calling on the King to commute his death sentence;

- acknowledging that the government has the right and responsibility to bring to justice those responsible for criminal offences, but expressing unconditional opposition to the death penalty.

APPEALS TO:

King Abdullah Bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Al-Saud

The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques

Office of His Majesty The King

Royal Court

Riyadh

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Salutation: Your Majesty

His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Al-Saud

Minister of the Interior

Ministry of the Interior

P.O. Box 2933

Airport Road

Riyadh 11134

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fax: + 966 1 403 1185

+ 966 1 403 3614

Salutation: Your Royal Highness

His Royal Highness Prince Saud al-Faisal bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Al-Saud

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nasseriya Street

Riyadh 11124

Fax: +966 1 403 0645

Salutation: Your Royal Highness

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Saudi Arabia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 14 March 2007.

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