Saudis detain prominent rights lawyer

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File photo

Published Apr 16, 2014

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Dubai - Saudi activists say authorities have detained a prominent human rights lawyer in the capital.

Activists say Waleed Abu al-Khair was taken into custody Tuesday after attending a court hearing in Riyadh where he faces charges that include inciting public opinion.

The case is related to the work of Abu al-Khair's organization, Monitor of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia.

His wife, Samar Badawi, told The Associated Press Wednesday that court officials told her Abu al-Khair has been sent to al-Hayer prison. She said guards have barred her from seeing him and did not say why he is being held.

Abu al-Khair received a 3-month prison sentence in February for signing a petition that called for the release of political detainees and for investigations into killings of protesters. He appealed the verdict.

Sapa-AP

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