Top Islamic Cleric Criticizes U.N Watchdog

for accusing Saudi Arabia of flawed torture record

Thu May 23, 1:35 PM ET

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's grand mufti criticized the United Nations (news - web sites) for accusing his country of breaking international accords banning torture, saying the claims are "lies, jealousy and ignorance of Islamic law."

In comments published in the daily Okaz newspaper Thursday, Sheik Abdulaziz al-Sheik rejected a U.N. report's findings that Saudi Arabia was breaking an international accord banning torture by carrying out punishments like floggings and amputations.

"What is being raised (in the report) aims to slander Islam and make Muslims confused about their religion," al-Sheik said, adding that only God's law should be implemented.

Earlier this month, the U.N. Committee against Torture said Saudi Arabia continued the violations although the kingdom ratified a treaty banning torture five years ago.

The 10-member committee, which checks on compliance with the 1984 U.N. Convention against Torture, said such punishments "are not in conformity with the convention" and that Saudi Arabia should "re-examine" them.

Like the 129 other nations to have signed the convention, Saudi Arabia must submit reports to show it is applying the rules. It was the first time Saudi Arabia had reported since ratifying the convention in 1997.

Saudi Arabia implements a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Courts routinely order lashings and hand amputations for theft and minor crimes, and public executions for murder, rape and drug trafficking.