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| International |
| Saudi Entity bitches about human rights 'double standards' |
| 2002-05-18 |
| Saudi Arabia, which has long been the target of criticism for alleged human rights violations, lashed out at rights watchdogs, accusing them of applying double standards when it came to Muslims. "It is surprising that these organisations apply a double-standard policy in their positions and judgments on nations around the world," Justice Minister Abdullah al-Sheikh told Al-Jazira newspaper on Saturday. "When Muslims are faced with a problem, these bodies fail to address the issue appropriately. If they do, it will be a face-saving exercise only," the minister said. But when non-Muslims are faced with a problem, "we find these organisations launching sensational campaigns for topics which may not deserve it," Sheikh added. Y'see, lopping off a head or an arm is different when it's done in a Muslim country. It's ummm... well, different. The minister blasted the rights watchdogs for criticising the application of Islamic law in the kingdom, accusing them of having a missionary agenda as an objective. "We should not forget that some of the human rights organisations have (Christian) missionary goals which they implement through their programmes and activities," he said. Yeah. It's them damn' Christians. Soon's we're done with them damn' Jews, just you wait and see... The kingdom applies a strict form of sharia, or Islamic law, imposing the death penalty for murder, rape, apostasy, armed robbery, drug trafficking and repeated drug use, and amputation of hands for thieves. The application of Islamic penalties has had "tremendous positive results in achieving security and preserving the interests of the nation," Sheikh argued. Well, the recidivism rate's certainly low, isn't it? Sheikh said organisations that protest the application of Islamic law against convicted criminals remain silent at the killings of thousands of people in many parts of the world "for no reason." Most of those killed are pious men with turbans, those that aren't defenseless Muslim women and children... |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |