Thursday, May 5, 2016

Saudi Arabia is going to carry out three juvenile executions

Petitioning U.S. Senate

Demand that Saudi Arabia ends juvenile executions

Petition by Esha Krishnaswamy
Kalamazoo, Michigan
1,097
Supporters
Imagine being arrested at 16 and sentenced to die by beheading and crucifixion. Your crime: a peaceful protest asking for equal rights. This is the fate that awaits Ali Mohammad al-Nimr and two others after being arrested for protesting for democratic reforms in Saudi Arabia. All three were juveniles at the time of the arrest.
Amnesty International, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and talk show host Bill Maher have all called for clemency for these innocent boys. So far, Saudi Arabia says it plans to go forward with the execution.
Saudi Arabia has no reason to stop. Allies like the US continue to support its regime and sell it billions of dollars in weapons without holding them responsible for human rights. We are calling on the US to take a stand against barbaric acts like juvenile executions and demand that Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, Dawood Al Marhoon, and Abdullah Al Zaher be pardoned and released.
This could be accomplished by amending House Joint Resolution 90, a bipartisan effort to ban weapons sales to Saudi Arabia unless it can ensure it is taking all necessary precautions to protect civilians where the weapons are used. Tell Congress to add a measure demanding that Saudi Arabia ends juvenile executions and frees Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, Dawood Al Marhoon, and Abdullah Al Zaher.
Human rights groups repeatedly document cases of brutality. Saudi Arabia has been cited by numerous human rights groups for its horrific punishments, especially towards minority communities and women. Ali’s only crime is that he believes in democracy and that everyone should have equal rights. The world should come to the rescue of a young man who demonstrated the courage to stand up for equal rights at just 16 years old. 
Saudi Arabia does not announce when it will carry out an execution. Any day could be these boy’s last unless we take action. Please add your name to the petition, share with friends and family, and tell your member of Congress that there should be no more weapons until juvenile executions are stopped and Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, Dawood Al Marhoon, and Abdullah Al Zaher are freed.