2012 demonstration: Saudi court upholds death sentence for disabled man

Munir al Adam was imprisoned during protests held in the Shia-dominated east of Saudi Arabia in 2012

A Saudi court upheld death sentence for a disabled man, imprisoned for participating in a demonstration, despite international criticism, the Independent reported.

Munir al Adam, who was arrested during protests held in the Shia-dominated east of Saudi Arabia in 2012, was given capital punishment last year by the Specialised Criminal Court.

“Munir’s case is utterly shocking – the White House should be appalled...” said Maya Foa, the director of Reprieve, a legal justice charity.



Adam, who suffered from impaired vision and hearing from a skull fracture acquired in childhood but he has also lost hearing in one ear after he was reportedly tortured by police. The campaigners said Adam was forced to sign a confession.

Speaking to the Independent, a spokesperson for the Reprieve said Adam was charged with violent acts however, no evidence was presented during trial. Where the authorities accuse Adam of “sending texts” to instigate, the suspect is believed to be too poor to own a mobile phone.



The decision has been condemned by human rights campaigners, calling for a White House intervention. “Munir’s case is utterly shocking – the White House should be appalled that our Saudi allies tortured a disabled protester until he lost his hearing then sentenced him to death on the basis of a forced ‘confession’,” said Foa.

“The Trump administration must now urgently stand up for American values. They must call for the release of Munir, and all others who face execution for simply exercising freedom of expression,” she added.