EU nations lead condemnation of Saudi human rights record
Source: The Guardian
EU nations lead condemnation of Saudi human rights record
Statement read out at UN human rights council meeting denounces alleged use of torture and unlawful detentions
Peter Beaumont
Tue 24 Sep 2019 07.00 BST
Last modified on Tue 24 Sep 2019 07.01 BST
Saudi Arabias human rights record has been heavily censured by two dozen largely western countries who took aim at its worsening record for alleged use of torture, unlawful detentions and unfair trials of critics, including female activists and journalists.
The joint statement, which was read out at a meeting of the UNs Human Rights Council in Geneva, represents the second time in six months that the body has criticised the kingdom, following a similar statement in March.
Members urged Saudi authorities to establish the truth about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Istanbul consulate last October, and ensure that the perpetrators are held to account.
Leading the criticism were 15 European Union members, including Britain and Germany, who were among the signatories, as well as Canada, New Zealand and Peru.
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Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/sep/24/eu-nations-lead-condemnation-of-saudi-human-rights-record