Paris-Sisters of a man sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia seek seven F1 champions Lewis Hamilton To help save the life of her brother.
Zeinab Abu Al-Kheir told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that Hamilton’s declaration in Qatar two weeks ago: F1 teeth “Obligation” To raise awareness of human rights, she makes her think that he may be able to save her brother, Hussein Abu Alu Kiel. Spotlight Car racing Pivot to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, when the Kingdom will host its first F1 contest.
“Dear Lewis, I’m writing to you in the hope that I can save my brother’s life,” Abu Alu Kiel said last week from her home in Canada to Hamilton, AP and exclusive. Written in a letter shared with. It may be enough while in Saudi Arabia. “
When asked about the letter at a pre-race press conference on Thursday, Hamilton said, “I’m not sure which letter you’re referring to, so I can’t comment on that letter.”
According to government tabulations and independent observers, Saudi Arabia has been one of the world’s most prolific executioners for years and has undergone changes to suspend executions of non-violent drug-related crimes. , Dramatically reduced the number of executioners in 2020.
Abu Alu Kiel, whose younger brother was imprisoned in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, about 6,000 miles away, said Hamilton wanted a strong connection with Saudi Arabia.
“A famous man like Hamilton can do something, he can talk to the prince (Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman), the Minister of the Interior, or even King Salman,” Abu Alkir said to her near Ottowa. I said from my house. “People like Hamilton are paying attention to governments everywhere.”
In her letter to Hamilton, Abu Alu Kiel, who was exclusively shared with AP by the litigation NGO Reprieve, was sentenced to death by her 56-year-old Jordanian brother for drug-related charges five years ago. He states he was put in a prison cell.
She says her eight husbands and father were unknowingly used as drug mules and were horribly tortured when he was arrested. On his route for work as a driver from Jordan to Saudi Arabia, customs officers searched his car one day.
“For 12 days my brother told the police the truth: he knew nothing about pills,” Abu Alu Kiel wrote in her letter. body. The torture was terrible and I could see traces even a year later. In the end, he mistakenly admitted trafficking in drugs. “
Amnesty International ranks Saudi Arabia third in the world with the highest number of executions in 2019.
According to Reprieve, 392 people were executed for nonviolent crimes in six years under the rule of King Salman and the mighty crown prince.
In 2020, there was a significant decrease compared to the highest record of 184 executions in the previous year. This decline was partly due to the moratorium on the death penalty for drug-related crimes.
But Abu Alu Kiel told AP he was worried that her brother could still face the death penalty.
“They said they had stopped beheading deaths since almost a year, but no one knows what they are doing (in prison),” she said.
Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been accused of “sportswashing” human rights records by presenting positive images using high-profile sporting events.
Qatar will host the World Cup next year. Two years ago, boxer Anthony Joshua left Saudi Arabia for about $ 70 million after winning the championship. In Riyadh..Saudi Arabia was subsequently scrutinized in October Buy English Premier League Club Newcastle..
Human Rights Watch launched a campaign late last year to counter the Saudi Arabian government’s efforts to spend billions of dollars to host major events. Intentional strategy to deviate from the image of the country As a pervasive human rights abuser. “
Heba Moraiev, director of the Middle East and North Africa region at Amnesty International, said glorious events must not deviate from human rights.
“Saudi authorities have invested heavily in PR stunts to rebrand their image,” Morayef said in a news release Thursday. “Saudi Arabian authorities need to recognize that the best public relations come from respecting human rights.”
AP has sent an email to government officials asking for an explanation of the death penalty and human rights.
Meanwhile, Abu Arkir also wrote to King Salman.
“I tried every possible way to help my brother and save his life,” she told AP. “I always give him hope and go to see his children and wife.”
Hamilton human rights..
In July, he and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel said Oppose the LGBT referendum planned by the Hungarian government..
Hamilton had a rainbow on him Mercedes Qatar helmet For LGBTQ + community. Two years ago, singer Nicki Minaj withdrew from a concert in Saudi Arabia to support women’s and gay rights.
In Saudi Arabia, same-sex relationships have been criminalized and can result in whiplash and death sentences. Discrimination and persecution are common, but individuals are rarely prosecuted.
Hamilton tackled this issue at a press conference on Thursday
“If everyone wants to take the time to read the laws of the LGBTQ + community, that’s pretty scary,” Hamilton said.
“Do you feel comfortable (race) here? I would say so. But being here is not my choice. I chose to be here for sports,” Hamilton said. “There are many changes that need to happen and I think our sport needs to do more.”
