Saudi Arabia: Cleric issues fatwa against journalists and writers

IFEX ::

"(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 September 2008 CPJ press release:

SAUDI ARABIA: Cleric issues fatwa against journalists and writers

New York, September 22, 2008 - The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about an edict issued Saturday by a top Saudi Muslim cleric, who said that writers who challenge or criticize religious sheikhs should be fired from their jobs, flogged, and jailed."

Saudi Arabia: Authorities also ban the import or production of Ismaili religious literature

"Ismailis are not free to pass their religious teachings on to new
generations. The authorities have at times exiled the Absolute Guide
from Najran or placed him under house arrest. Saudi authorities also
ban the import or production of Ismaili religious literature. Ismailis
face obstacles in obtaining permits to build new mosques or expand
existing ones, whereas the state funds and builds Sunni mosques in
Najran, even in areas without a Sunni population."

Saudi Arabia: Shia Minority Treated as Second-Class Citizens