Marriage contracts now granted to brides in Saudi Arabia

In May 2015, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced it would now grant women the right to obtain copies of their marriage contracts. Previously, Saudi officials only guaranteed marriage contracts to the grooms. Saudi Justice Minister Walid al-Samaani issued a statement saying the new initiative will “ensure [the bride’s] awareness of her rights and the[…]

Sheikh Nimr and freedom of expression: speaking truth to power

Last week, the international community commemorated World Press Freedom Day on 3 May by celebrating the fundamental principles of press freedom. This day is meant to affirm the need for independent media and to raise awareness for journalists targeted simply for doing their job: exercising the right to free expression. While he was not a[…]

The unjust arrest, trial, and execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr

The trial of prominent Muslim Shia cleric and political activist Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was marred with human rights violations. Sheikh Nimr from the Awamiyah village in the Qatif region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was a vocal critic of the Saudi government and called for peaceful political reforms. He advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience[…]

A Summary of the UN Committee Against Torture’s Review of Saudi Arabia

“Prisons may deprive liberty, but they should never deprive human rights.” – Mr. Abdelwahab Hani, Committee Against Torture (Review of Saudi Arabia, 57th Session of the Committee Against Torture) Upon completion of Saudi Arabia’s review before the UN Committee Against Torture on Monday 25 April, ADHRB expresses concern over the ongoing and systematic practices of[…]

ADHRB Submits Brief on Death Penalty in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to OHCHR

Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) has submitted a brief for the Secretary-General of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ forthcoming report on the question of the death penalty. ADHRB’s brief details the legal parameters for capital punishment in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, as well as recent developments[…]