Celebrities and politicians join Reprieve in condemning the killing of 37 people in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia executed 37 people on 23rd April – including three arrested as teenagers and tortured into “confessions”. This was yet another horrific display of brutality by the Saudi regime. Reprieve is urging Theresa May to condemn these appalling executions and call for the release of three others arrested and tortured as teenagers who are still at risk. Politicians, journalists and celebrities from around the globe have spoken up and joined Reprieve’s calls for Theresa May to take action. Reprieve Executive Director Anna Yearley tweeted about those killed including Mutjaba al-Sweikat: “Mutjaba was arrested at King Fahd International Airport, on his way to begin his studies at Western Michigan University. He was 17 years old when arrested.”

Saudi Arabia executed 37 people today, including Mutjaba al-Sweikat. Mujtaba was arrested at King Fahd International Airport, on his way to begin his studies at Western Michigan University.He was 17 yrs old when arrested. The PM must condemn these brutal executions. #ripmutjaba pic.twitter.com/OYTMjflC1M

— Anna Yearley (@AnnaYearley) April 23, 2019

Ed Miliband MP, journalist Mehdi Hassain and economist Bill Browder were among those to echo Anna’s words, while actress Susan Sarandon added: “They are using the death penalty to squash any sort of political dissent. When we remain silent on the wrongdoings of our allies, we are complicit.”

“[The] mass execution underscores how urgent it has become for the United States to redefine our relationship with the despotic regime in Saudi Arabia” – Bernie Sanders

Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter called on Theresa May and her government to take action: “Mass torture and beheading of people from a religious minority including children. Please stop calling the barbaric Saudi regime ‘modernising’, please stop turning a blind eye because they buy our weapons.”

Saudi Arabia executed 37 people in one day – including three arrested as teenagers and tortured into ‘confessions’. Reprieve calls on Britain to condemn these executions and call for release of three still at risk #StopSaudiExecutions https://t.co/IrMhahQMfm

— Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) April 24, 2019

There were also a number of film and television personalities who retweeted Reprieve’s call to action: Stephen Fry and comedian Frankie Boyle – along with actors Dominic Cooper and David Schneider – showed their support. The New York Times’ Nick Kristof tweeted: “Student slated to attend Western Michigan University beheaded in Saudi Arabia, after attending a pro-democracy protest. Remind me @realDonaldTrump, why are we best buddies with Saudi Arabia.” The West Wing’s Bradley Whitford was among over 470 people to retweet.

“When we remain silent on the wrongdoings of our allies, we are complicit” – Susan Sarandon

Bernie Sanders echoed Kristof’s sentiments, saying the “mass execution underscores how urgent it has become for the United States to redefine our relationship with the despotic regime in Saudi Arabia”, adding that “the Saudis do not have a blank check to continue violating human rights and dictating our foreign policy”. Other well-known people to add their voices to Reprieve’s campaign included Rory Bremner, Janine di Giovanni, Philip Pullman, Jon Snow, Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei, Julian Borger, Randi Weingarten and Fabian Hamilton MP. Over 11,000 people signed Reprieve’s petition to Theresa May in the first 48 hours. Click here to add your name.