Thursday 16 May 2024
Islamabad (Urdu Point. UN Urdu. May 16, 2024) The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Physical Disabilities (CRPD) has condemned the long solitary confinement of religious scholar and government critic Safar bin Abdul Rehman Al Hawali in Saudi Arabia. Calling it a violation of their rights, they have demanded a review of their case.
The committee says that 76-year-old Al-Hawali has been facing enforced disappearance, illegal imprisonment, deprivation of right to legal proceedings and medical facilities and torture or inhuman treatment for six years.
His speech, mobility and ability to care for himself have been permanently affected as a result of physical seizures. In addition, due to pubic bone fracture and urinary problems, they need regular medical treatment, which they are deprived of.
The committee has urged Saudi Arabia to ensure a fair trial or release them in accordance with international law.
Enforced disappearance and illegal detention
Al-Hawali was arrested and imprisoned in 2018 for criticizing the Saudi crown prince. The government says they are being investigated under the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Act. According to this law, they can be kept in prison for a long time without being produced in court.
Besides, this law also allows the government to deprive them of legal aid.
The committee says that Al-Hawali has been kept in a place which is unsuitable for his current physical condition. Family members are rarely allowed to visit him, who has said his health is rapidly declining.
A member of the committee, Marcus Shafer, says that even if there is a justification for their arrest under the country's law, the authorities' treatment of them, the lack of information about the place of detention and the failure to prosecute them. is inappropriate.
Thus, their imprisonment is tantamount to enforced disappearance and illegal detention.
Denial of the right to health
Al-Hawali being denied the opportunity to express his views in front of the court, despite his speech disability, is a violation of his right to access to justice and due process of law. Similarly, their health deterioration during imprisonment is tantamount to negating their right to access the best medical facilities.
In addition, the Saudi authorities have violated Al-Hawali's right to physical and mental health and to protection from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by placing them in prolonged solitary confinement.
The committee has also asked the authorities to avoid any kind of retaliatory action against Al-Hawali and their relatives. He says that it is important for democratic societies to provide scope for criticism of state institutions.
Experts and special informants
The CRPD consists of impartial human rights experts appointed under the special procedure of the United Nations Human Rights Council. These experts are not part of the UN staff and do not receive compensation for their work.
