Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesperson Tim Farron condemns punishment for Saudi rape victim

Lib Dem FCO spokesperson Tim Farron has urged the Foreign Secretary to publically condemn the human rights abuses of the Saudi Arabian Government, following the sentencing of a women who was gang-raped to 200 lashes.

Tim said: "It is deeply disturbing that the tragic abuse of Saudi Arabia's own people continues unabated. The sentencing of a gang-rape victim to 200 lashes is the latest in a history of complete disregard for human rights and the dignity of all people. With the number of public executions is rising, the UK Government must speak out publically to hold the Kingdom to account. The Liberal Democrats are clear that we must use our influence in Saudi Arabia to put pressure on them to reform. The time for sitting on the fence and working behind closed doors is over - we need to stop cosying up to the Kingdom and start standing up for its women and minorities."

1. Amnesty International report an unprecedented number of public executions in Saudi Arabia this year: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-executions-now-at-unprecedented-rate-after-kingdom-kills-four-more-in-two-days-10085646.html

2. Further details on the victims case can be found here: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/17365-saudi-woman-to-get-200-lashes-after-being-raped