Statement by the Spokesperson on the sentencing of Human Rights defenders in Saudi Arabia

On January 25, Human Rights Defenders Mohamed Al Otaibi and Abdullah Al Atawi were sentenced to 14 and 7 years imprisonment, respectively, by the Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia. The European Union recalls its strong commitment to the protection, globally, of Human Rights Defenders. While fully respecting the prerogatives of the Saudi Arabia's Judiciary, the European Union underlines the importance of the respect of human rights, including the one to a fair trial, in all cases. The European Union will follow the appeal procedure closely.