Saudi Ambassador in Britain: Relations Between the Two Countries Are at Risk

Increasing criticism in recent weeks regarding the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia has prompted a response from the Saudi ambassador in London, who stated in a note that the relations between the two countries are at risk. In the past month, particularly the UK's reaction to the death sentence issued for Ali al-Nimr, who was arrested during an anti-government protest, the reactions to the Syrian refugee issue, and the 350 lashes for a British citizen have gained widespread attention. Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi prince and ambassador to London, wrote in a note published by the Daily Telegraph on October 26, 'In recent weeks, alarming changes have been observed in the discourse surrounding Saudi Arabia.' Prince Abdulaziz added, 'For all those who do not want to see the potentially dangerous consequences that could affect the strategic and long-term relations between the two countries, this (issue) should be concerning.' The Saudi ambassador in London stated that Riyadh is the closest military ally of Britain in the Middle East and a valuable source for exposing terrorist activities for that country. Jeremy Corbyn has criticized the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks, British officials, led by Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, have called for the London government to pay attention to the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi prince's note specifically referenced Mr. Corbyn's statements as influential factors in the relations. Corbyn had called for a halt to the execution of Ali al-Nimr in a speech in September. The teenager, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, has been sentenced to death by crucifixion and beheading, according to Reuters. This issue has also reached the British Conservative government, with David Cameron, the Prime Minister, publicly calling for a halt to the execution. London has also strongly criticized the 350 lashes sentence for its 74-year-old citizen detained in Saudi Arabia and has called for its cessation. Karl Andre, the 74-year-old man, was arrested while possessing homemade wine. The Saudi ambassador also described the criticisms of Riyadh's response to the Syrian war refugee crisis as unjust, stating that hundreds of thousands of them have been accommodated in Saudi Arabia. Criticism regarding the refugee issue has also been observed in other European countries; for instance, German politicians have recently harshly criticized Riyadh's proposal to build a mosque for Syrian refugees in Germany. Meanwhile, Britain has canceled a consultancy contract with Saudi Arabia regarding prison matters. The British Labour Party has not directly responded to Nawaf bin Abdulaziz's note or the mention of the party leader.