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Saudi Arabia

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Campaigns and Advocacy

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Proposed sale of tanks to repressive regime sends wrong signal, says Human Rights Watch

Germany is considering a deal to sell tanks to Saudi Arabia despite the latter's dismal human rights record, including severe restrictions on freedom of expression.

Four IFEX members, other organisations call for release of three activists detained for speaking out

(CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by CIHRS, ANHRI, BCHR, EOHR and other organisations:

From the Communiqué

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New regulation curbs free expression online

Saudi Arabia continues to live up to its position as one of the world's worst countries to be a blogger by passing a draconian "electronic publication" regulation that further restricts free expression online, report the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Regimes worldwide attempt to control information on BlackBerry devices

The decision by the United Arab Emirates to suspend BlackBerry services for email, instant messaging and browsing the web as of 11 October was only the beginning. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Indonesia and India, are also considering similar bans and demanding access to BlackBerry's encryption technology in an effort to control the flow of information, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House. UAE authorities say BlackBerry phones are a threat to national security if they can't be monitored.

SAUDI ARABIA BANS LAWYER FROM RECEIVING AWARD

The Saudi authorities have banned a crusading defence attorney from travelling abroad to receive Human Rights Watch's 2008 Human Rights Defenders Award.

See all articles: Saudi Arabia

Reports

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World Report 2009: Saudi Arabia

Annual Report 2008: The Gulf states

See all reports: Saudi Arabia