Ali Al Nimr was just 17 when he was arrested by the Saudi Government’s secret police for participating in a pro-democracy protest in 2012 during the Arab Spring. Now in his early 20s, Ali Al Nimr is awaiting crucifixion and beheading along with 52 others, 7 of whom are also pro-democracy activists.

Ali Al Nimr was reportedly arrested without a warrant, refused regular access to a lawyer, refused pen and paper, denied proper notification to his lawyer of several court hearings, had his appeal heard in secret without his knowledge, kept in horrid unhygienic conditions, and now it is understood he will be executed any moment.

It should be clear that the legacy of disrespecting human lives in Saudi Arabia is so entrenched in its notorious history that this petition needs no introduction to the current state of miserable human rights records. In the 21st century where the global community is rising above our apish traditional bondage of dividing our community by religion, race, religion, gender or any variable and increasingly acknowledging the universality of secularism and free speech, Saudi Arabia continues to be a persistent black hole of tyranny and oppression on the vast spectrum of global humanity.

Of course it is not possible for one person to instantly bring justice to the powerless and oppressed. But we individuals can unite and take the small steps we can within our own limitations, and together we can become a big force to try to stop the execution of Ali Al Nimr and 52 other prisoners. Even if we don’t succeed, our efforts to sign this petition and take this message to the United Nations is at least a small step towards standing up for humanity and human life than sitting back and giving up to an oppressive inhuman Saudi Government that fails to reconcile its traditional values with a changing progressing world.

WHAT WE CAN DO?

The United Nations’ moratorium on death penalty was a resolution that calls for suspension of death penalty by its member states. As of 2012, 111 members have voted in favour of it. It is no surprise Saudi Arabia – ironically, also a powerful member of the United Nations Human Rights Commissions (UNHRC) has stayed away from it even when UN urged Saudi Arabia as recently as in 2014 to adopt the moratorium resolution and halt its culture of beheading and executions.

Saudi Arabia, a country that has carried out some 152 executions including beheadings this year, has been granted, without challenge, an important position in the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) whose mandate is to “promote and protect all human rights, advocates for the universal abolition of the death penalty.”

This petition is calling for United Nations to summon Saudi Arabia once again and demand an immediate moratorium on its practice of Death Penalty, and urge King Salman to issue an official pardon releasing Ali Al Nimr and the other 52 prisoners.

The signed petition will be forwarded to member(s) of the United Nations through a network of activists and politicians.

Official Letter to the United Nations:

Dear United Nations,

In line with your mandate to “promote and protect all human rights, advocates for the universal abolition of the death penalty” and in line with Article no. 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are calling for you to -

1. Implement a swift and fair implementation of a moratorium on practice of death penalty of Saudi Arabia, and

2. Ensure swift release and an official pardon of Ali Al Nimr and other innocent prisoners who are in line for speedy execution in coming days.

We request you to undertake swift and effective measures to lead the way to promote and respect human rights for those who require it most in the 21st century.

Sincerely,

The Progressive Citizens of the World

Links for References for Ali Al Nimr and other prisoners:

United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48672#.Vle2j8CLTiw

http://www.reprieve.org.uk/saudi-arabia-stop-the-crucifixtion-of-ali-al-nimr/

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/10/07/dawoud-al-marhoon-sentanced-to-beheading-for-protesting-against-saudi-arabias-regime_n_8258034.html

http://www.esohr.org/en/?p=505

http://www.esohr.org/en/?p=673

https://www.movements.org/market/1632