Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

No atheists in foxholes and The Kingdom?

"Saudi Arabia declares all atheists are terrorists in new law to crack down on political dissidents

Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of new laws which define atheists as terrorists, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. n a string of royal decrees and an overarching new piece of legislation to deal with terrorism generally, the Saudi King Abdullah has clamped down on all forms of political dissent and protests that could "harm public order".

The new laws have largely been brought in to combat the growing number of Saudis travelling to take part in the civil war in Syria, who have previously returned with newfound training and ideas about overthrowing the monarchy.

To that end, King Abdullah issued Royal Decree 44, which criminalises "participating in hostilities outside the kingdom" with prison sentences of between three and 20 years, Human Rights Watch said.

Yet last month further regulations were issued by the Saudi interior ministry, identifying a broad list of groups which the government considers to be terrorist organisations - including the Muslim Brotherhood.

Article one of the new provisions defines terrorism as "calling for atheist thought in any form, or calling into question the fundamentals of the Islamic religion on which this country is based".

Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director of Human Rights Watch, said: "Saudi authorities have never tolerated criticism of their policies, but these recent laws and regulations turn almost any critical expression or independent association into crimes of terrorism.

"These regulations dash any hope that King Abdullah intends to open a space for peaceful dissent or independent groups," Mr Stork said.

Human Rights Watch said the new regulations were also a setback to campaigns for the protection and release of a number of prominent human rights activists currently jailed in Saudi Arabia. It said Waleed Abu al-Khair and Mikhlif al-Shammari recently lost appeals and will soon begin three-month and five-year respective sentences for criticizing Saudi authorities.

The organisation said the new "terrorism" provisions contain language that prosecutors and judges are already using to prosecute and convict independent activists and peaceful dissidents."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-declares-all-atheists-are-terrorists-in-new-law-to-crack-down-on-political-dissidents-9228389.html

[pooroldedgar]

Any if anyone would know about terrorism...

[dragonpiwo]

I think we'll be waiting for a long time for our first atheist suicide bomber.

[plumpy nut]

The Saudis are a little lacking on the critical thinking skills, and I don't see any awareness on their part that there is such a thing as critical thinking. Things don't look good down the road for KSA.

[jaffa]

For sure they employ maids to put their sandals on the correct foot.

[Betrayer of Hope]

It's strange how this isn't even published in the local newspaper. Whether this decree is true or not, I doubt the authorities will actively look for atheists. KSA has bigger problems to worry about, and atheism is definitely not one of them.

[sicklyman]

[johnslat]

Dear sicklyman,

You realize, I guess/nope that it's satire: "The Lapine is all about poking people and things that deserve to be poked. It is satirical commentary written by all kinds of people from here, there and darned near everywhere.

Given that so many, many people, events, opinions and trends deserve to be shown in a tongue-firmly-in-cheek way, The Lapine is not limited to just trending topics. Our writers will guffaw at anything really."

Regards,
John

[sicklyman]

ah good... thanks for pointing that out. I'm not a fan of people posting stuff made up on the Internet as truth so I'm glad you caught that. I was pretty busy so didn't scan the full article.

I was going to write something like:

"That's because atheists bombers make sure their bombs kill others instead of themselves."

In comparison, at least suicide bombers can only kill once rather than inflict decades of needless slaughter. 'Great' atheists like Stalin and Mao come to mind...

[veiledsentiments]

[sicklyman]

true... but my point is that killing others is certainly not limited to those of a religious persuasion as dragonpiwo was possibly implying.

[Sheikit]

so now that all athiests are terrorists, what religion should I list on my visa application?

my job application says that a religious affidavit/certification is required by the saudi consulate for visa purposes. who provides such certificates?

i am non-religious. i am inclined to put down Buddhist because who would possibly take issue with them? my family is catholic, but no church will give a certificate to someone who was never confirmed/baptised, etc.

[johnslat]

Dear cwright,

This has come up before - all you need to do is put down "Christian." You don't have to PROVE you're a "Christian."

Avoid putting anything like "Buddhist" which will likely seem "odd." If you're a "Westerner," you're expected to be "Christian," so just give them what they expect (and want.)

Regards,
John

[jaffa]

Satanist might produce some amusing reaction. Put that down then let us know how it went

[Sheikit]

johnslat--thanks mate. was worried about the "providing a certificate to confirm" bit. i put christian, let the chips fall where they may.