October 30, 2007

U.K.: Who Cares About Human Rights? It’s the Money, Stupid!

Saudi King jeered as controversial visit begins

King Abdullah II of Saudi Arabia was greeted by jeers and placards as he began his state visit to Britain this afternoon as dozens of demonstrators turned out to protest at his country’s human rights record.

About 50 human rights protestors and anti-arms trade activists mingled with the crowds lining The Mall as the monarch accompanied the Queen in a carriage on their way to Buckingham Palace.

King Abdullah’s visit has been shrouded in controversy over oppressive policies against women and gays in the Middle Eastern kingdom and the war on terror.

Protesters, including Peter Tatchell, the gay rights activist, chanted “King Abdullah, torturer, murderer” and held banners marked “Put human rights before BAe profits” and “You can’t do this in Riyadh” as the procession went past.

. . .

Symon Hill, of the Campaign Against The Arms Trade, said: “I think the visit sends the message that the UK Government isn’t concerned about human rights in Saudi Arabia. It also sends the message that the Government will put the arms trade and BAe ahead of human rights.”

He criticised Gordon Brown for condemning human rights abuses in Burma and Zimbabwe, but saying nothing about the Saudis. …

As Tyo wisely observes: “Let’s face it, there are bad badguys and good badguys and the Saudis are one of the ultimate teflon coated good badguy states. As long as the oil and the business ties are there they can have their public beheadings and their lashings and fund all the terrorists that they want and no matter who occupies #10 Downing St or the White House there won’t be an official word said against them.”

Posted by: Sapphocrat