Saudi Arabia's "reforms"

""The anti-terrorism measures introduced since 2001 have set back the process of limited human rights reform in Saudi Arabia," said Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme. "Combined with severe repression of all forms of dissent and a weak human rights framework, there is now an almost complete lack of protection of freedoms and rights." An Amnesty International briefing paper, launched on Friday, describes the shocking scale of abuses. Thousands of people have had their lives devastated by violations of their basic rights. Some have been arrested and detained in virtual secrecy, while others have been killed in uncertain circumstances. Hundreds more people face secret and summary trials and possible execution. Many are reported to have been tortured in order to extract confessions or as punishment after conviction." (thanks Olivia)