AIUK : Saudi Tweeter facing death sentence if returned from Malaysia

11.2.12

AIUK : Saudi Tweeter facing death sentence if returned from Malaysia

The Malaysian authorities must release Hamza Kashgari and not forcibly return him to Saudi Arabia, where he faces risk of execution for his Tweets about the Prophet Mohammed, Amnesty International said today.

He was arrested at Kuala Lumpur’s airport Thursday morning and taken away by two plain-clothed men. Amnesty International called on the authorities to reveal his whereabouts, and ensure his access to lawyers. The Malaysian authorities have not charged Kashgari with any recognisable criminal offense.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Middle East and North Africa. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said:

“Hamza Kashgari faces imminent risk of forcible return to Saudi Arabia where he could be executed if his statements are deemed to amount to apostasy,”

“Amnesty International considers Hamza Kashgari a prisoner of conscience since he is being detained in Malaysia for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.”

Hamza Kashgari, who was born in 1989, left Saudi Arabia on 6 February amid death threats after prominent clerics accused him of apostasy following statements he had posted on Twitter which they deemed to be insulting towards the Prophet Mohammed.