Taoiseach’s Saudi visit disregards human rights

The recent visit of An Taoiseach to Saudi Arabia is an affront to anyone who has regard for basic human rights, for democracy, and for the independence of sovereign nations in conducting their own affairs.

Speaking in November 2013, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North African director, Philip Luther, said about human rights in Saudi Arabia: “The crackdown on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia is widening, with at least a dozen human rights activists sentenced in 2013 alone.”

We are all aware of how difficult it is for women to live there; even driving a car is frowned upon. The most serious aspect is Saudi Arabia’s support for all sorts of murky organisations that spread its religious beliefs and ideology.