However, Amnesty International is fundamentally opposed to the death penalty in all cases as the ultimate violation of the right to life. The organization is seriously concerned that all six may have been convicted and executed primarily because of their sexual orientation. Amnesty International considers anyone imprisoned solely on the grounds of their sexual orientation to be a prisoner of conscience, who should be immediately and unconditionally released. These executions bring to 71 the number of people put to death in Saudi Arabia so far this year. Flogging is mandatory in Saudi Arabia for a number of offences, including sexual offences, and can also be used at the discretion of judges as an alternative or addition to other punishments.
Sentences can range from dozens to thousands of lashes.
601 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington DC 20037 Please send appeals immediately. This information is from Amnesty International's research headquarters in London, England. A.I. is an independent worldwide movement working for the international protection of human rights. It seeks the release of people detained because of their beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language or religious creed, provided they have not used nor advocated violence.