Lawyer, Abdel Rahman al-Lahem was arrested in March 2004 along with up to 11 others, including Dr Matrouk al-Falih, aged 54, Professor of Political Science at King Sa'ud University, Riyadh, Dr Abdullah al-Hamid, aged 56, former professor of contemporary literature at Imam Muhammad bin Sa'ud University, Riyadh Ali al Deminy, aged 56, writer who he had been representing.

He was released in May 2004 but re-arrested on 6th, November 2004 after an appeal sent  by the men to Crown Prince Abdullah criticising the fairness of the judiciary
was made public. He remains detained without trial at al Ha’ir prison in Riyadh. Amnesty International also considers him to be a prisoner of conscience detained solely for carrying out his legitimate work as a lawyer.
 

Al-Lahem's detention, is considered an episode in the prolonged series of transgressions committed by the audi government that undermines human rights and basic freedoms. The Saudi government has added another prisoner of conscience to the group of the Saudi prisoners of conscience. The Saudi government takes advantage of the current situation in the Arab region to veil the numerous human rights violations it commits against the citizens whose only guilt is that they call for their right to lead a dignified life.

On 15 May, prisoners of conscience, Dr Matrouk al-Falih, Dr Abdullah al-Hamid and Ali al Deminy were imprisoned by a closed court in Riyadh after an unfair trial. The men have one month to appeal this decision. Amnesty International had asked the authorities whether they could send an observer to the trial, but were denied a travel permit.

Dr Matrouk al-Falih was sentenced to six years imprisonment, Dr Abdullah al-Hamid to seven years and Ali al Deminy to nine years on charges that included "sowing dissent and disobeying the ruler." The men were arrested in 2004 when they called for political reform. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for the peaceful criticism of the government and as such calls for their immediate and unconditional release.


BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The secrecy surrounding the criminal justice system is such that trials often take place behind closed doors. Critics of the state are at risk of indefinite
detention without charge or trial. They are often subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Defendants do not have the right to formal representation by a
lawyer nor are they informed of the charges against them or the progress of the legal proceedings against them. In the rare instances when people are charged
and brought to trial, the proceedings invariable fail to meet the minimum international standards for fair trial.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

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

calling on the authorities to release Al-Lahem and all the other reformists and the prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia immediately and unconditionally if they are held solely for their criticism of the NAHR or for planning to issue a statement setting out their concerns;

asking the authorities to ensure that all the detainees are protected from torture and ill-treatment, and given regular access to their families, lawyers of their own choosing and any medical attention they may need;

calling for anyone charged with a recognizably criminal offence to be given a prompt and fair trial.

APPEALS TO:

Minister of the Interior
His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin OAbdul OAziz,
Minister of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior
P.O. Box 2933, Airport Road,
Riyadh 11134, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telegram: Minister of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 403 1185 (it may be difficult to get through, please keep trying)
Telex: 404416
Salutation: Your Royal Highness

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Prince Saud al-Faisal bin OAbdul ¹Aziz Al-Saud,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Nasseriya Street,
Riyadh 11124, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telegram: Foreign Affairs Minister, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 403 0159 (it may be difficult to get through, please keep trying)
Telex: 405000
Salutation: Your Royal Highness

Minister of Justice
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh
Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice
University Street,
Riyadh 11137, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telegram: Minister of Justice, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 401 1741
Telex: 405 980 MINJUS SJ
Salutation: Your Excellency

King and Prime Minister, Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines
His Majesty King Fahd bin >Abdul >Aziz Al-Saud,
Office of H.M. The King, Royal Court,
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telegram: King Fahd, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Salutation: Your Majesty

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Saudi Arabia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.

PUBLIC AI Index:
MDE 23/006/2005 17 May 2005
Further Information on UA 112/04 (MDE 23/003/2004, 17 March 2004) and follow-up
(MDE 23/005/2004, 30 April 2004; MDE 23/009/2004, 02 July 2004) - Fear of
Torture and Ill-Treatment