Public AI Index: MDE 23/018/2007

Distribution: PG/SC

To: Health Professional Network

From: Health and Human Rights Team

Date: 17th May 2007

Summary:

Faisal bin Mutair bin Rajallah al-Luhaibi is at imminent risk of execution.

According to a statement by the Ministry of the Interior, Faisal al-Luhaibi was sentenced to death along with four other men, for the rape and murder of a boy. The four men were executed on 14 May. The Ministry of the Interior has stated that Faisal al-Luhaibi would be executed upon the completion of judicial procedures. It did not specify what these judicial procedures were, nor did it clarify when they were due to be completed. It is feared that he could be executed within days.

Background:

Saudi Arabia applies the death penalty for a wide range of offences. Court proceedings fall far short of international standards for fair trial, and take place behind closed doors. 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, torture or deception.

At least 72 people are known to have been executed thus far this year, though the true figure may be much higher. Among those known to be facing imminent execution is Nigerian national Suliamon Olyfemi, who was sentenced to death in 2005, after an unfair trial (see UA 299/06, MDE 23/005/2006, 23 November 2006, and follow-ups).

Recommended action: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic or your own language:

• Explain that you are a health professional writing in regard to the case of Faisal bin Mutair Rajallah al-Luhaibi.

• Express grave concern about the death sentence handed down to Faisal bin Mutair Rajallah al-Luhaibi, as the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and its application is to be opposed in all circumstances.

• Express grave concern that Faisal bin Mutair bin Rajallah al-Luhaibi may be facing imminent execution, and call for his execution to be halted immediately.

• Appeal to the authorities to commute his death sentence, and those of all prisoners on death row, as a matter of urgency, with a view to the abolition of the death penalty.

• Seek clarification of the steps being taken to enable Faisal bin Mutair bin Rajallah al-Luhaibi and others to exercise effectively the rights to judicial review and to seek a pardon.

• Express concern at the increase in the recent number of executions in Saudi Arabia.

• Invite a response.

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
Fax (via Ministry of the Interior): + 966 1 403 1185
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
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
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 403 0645
Salutation: Your Royal Highness

Copies to: diplomatic representatives of Saudi Arabia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. ****************

 

AI Index: MDE 23/018/2007

17 May 2007

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