Saudi anti-terror law labelled ‘draconian’

A anti-terror law labelled ‘draconian’ by human rights activist has been adopted by the council of ministers headed by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud which provides for extreme punishment for people involved in aiding and abetting terror crimes.

Named the Penal Law for Terrorism Crimes and Financing of Terrorism, the law is aimed against those trying "to disturb public order, defaming the reputation of the state, or threatening the kingdom's unity."

This law was criticised when its draft was leaked by Amnesty International (AI) in July 2011.

Human rights activists believe that this law is too broad, and besides terrorists, it could be used to target civil society activists calling for democratic reforms in the conservative monarchy

Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Salman, passed the law on the recommendation of the Shoura Council and the Interior Ministry. Khoja said the punishment stipulated in the existing Anti-Money Laundering Act would be applied for terrorists and funders until a new byelaw is enacted.

The law takes into account the consequences of such crimes including infringements on human rights as defined by Shariah, and defines terrorism as any act by individuals or groups with a criminal motive, directly or indirectly, to undermine public order and the state’s security and stability.