AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

AAAS is concerned about reports indicating that hematologist Dr. Abdul Rahim Turan Gari Bai has been tortured and may again be subjected to torture. He is being held in Taif prison.

He has reportedly been held without charge or access to legal representation since early 1995.

Although the exact reason for his arrest is not known, he is reportedly suspected of political activities. He may be held solely for the nonviolent expression of his beliefs.

The prosecution of individuals on the basis of the expression of their views and their political affiliations and the ill-treatment of prisoners constitute a serious violation of fundamental human rights including those enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted by the United Nations without opposition in 1948), which guarantees:

• no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (Article 5);
• freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 18);
• freedom of expression (Article 19); and
• freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association (Article 20).

(Source of information on this case is Amnesty International)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send faxes, telegrams or airmail letters:

• request clarification about the accusations against Leith Shubeilat; urging investigation into reports indicating that Dr. Abdul Rahim Turan Gari Bai was subjected to torture;
• calling for those found responsible to be promptly brought to justice;
• seeking assurances that he is being treated humanely; urging that he be granted immediate access to lawyers, relatives, and independent doctors if necessary; and
• urging that he be released immediately and unconditionally if not charged with a legitimate criminal offense and given a prompt and fair trial.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

His Majesty King Fahd bin 'Abdul-'Aziz
The Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines
Office of H.M. The King
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Salutation: Your Majesty

His Royal Highness Prince Naif vin 'Abdul-'Aziz
Minister of the Interior
Ministry of the Interior
P.O. Box 2833
Airport Road, Riyadh 11134
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Salutation: Your Royal Highness

His Royal Highness Prince Saud al-Faisal bin 'Abdul 'Aziz
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Nasseriya Street, Riyadh 11124
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Salutation: Your Royal Highness

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES SENT TO:

His Royal Higness Prince Bandar Bin Sultan
Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20037

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