Saudi Ruling Family, Human Rights Raise Concern, European Commission Warns

By Staff, Agencies

The European Commission said that the situation of members of the ruling family and human rights in Saudi Arabia are of concern.

In a letter addressed to the German Institute for Policy Development, Commission Chairperson Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for the Saudi regime to abide by basic legal rules and respect private rights and freedom of expression.

She stated that the European Union is aware of the situation of members of the Saudi royal family who are subject to detention and house arrest.

She touched on the case of the former Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Nayef, whose health condition deteriorated recently, months after his arrest on the orders of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

And last July, an American news network revealed that bin Nayef was no longer able to walk due to the severe torture he was subjected to in the prisons of his cousin, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Two well-informed sources told NBC that "Bin Nayef was subjected to physical abuse during his arrest."

The President of the European Commission stressed that the legal procedures and guarantees against detainees, including members of the royal families, are subject to continuous discussions with the Saudi side. She noted that the status of women's rights, individual activists and human rights defenders is also part of our "discussions" with relevant Saudi institutions.

She pointed out that the European Union expressed its concern about these violations in more than one place. He also raised those violations with several parties, including the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She explained that the European Union categorically opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases without exception. "The European Union remains concerned about the application of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia," Der Leyen said. She noted the increasing number of executions in 2021 after the significant decrease in 2020.