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  World   Middle East  05 Aug 2017  Saudi Arabia defends judiciary amid outcry over executions

Saudi Arabia defends judiciary amid outcry over executions

AP
Published : Aug 5, 2017, 11:58 am IST
Updated : Aug 5, 2017, 11:58 am IST

Rights group Reprieve says the initial judgment came from a “secretive” counter terrorism court.

The 14 face execution for protests and violence against security forces. Rights group Reprieve says the initial judgment came from a “secretive” counter terrorism court. (Photo: Representational/ File)
 The 14 face execution for protests and violence against security forces. Rights group Reprieve says the initial judgment came from a “secretive” counter terrorism court. (Photo: Representational/ File)

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s government, facing mounting criticism for the planned execution of 14 Shia Muslims, has issued a rare statement defending its judicial system.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Mansour al-Qafari says all defendants facing trial in Saudi Arabia receive due process.

In a statement published Friday in the Saudi Press Agency, al-Qafari says terrorism-related cases and death penalty verdicts are reviewed by an appeals court and the supreme court, with a total of 13 judges reviewing the case before an execution is carried out.

The 14 face execution for protests and violence against security forces. Rights group Reprieve says the initial judgment came from a “secretive” counterterrorism court.

Ultraconservative Sunni clerics in Saudi Arabia have in the past referred to Shiites as apostates, and Shiite protesters have been accused of being allied with the kingdom’s rival, Iran.

Tags: execution, shia muslims, judicial system, death penalty verdicts
Location: Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Riyadh