Saudi lawyer awarded US human rights prize

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

RIYADH (AFP) — A Saudi lawyer and human rights activist who is banned from travelling abroad has received the International Human Rights Lawyer Award from the American Bar Association (ABA), he told AFP Friday.

"This award shows that there is an international monitoring of human rights work in Saudi Arabia," lawyer Abdurrahman al-Lahem said.

"It values the work of a large group of activists in Saudi society who are defending human rights. I am full of hope that this group will grow larger," he added.

In a letter sent on Wednesday, ABA told Lahem that he was selected for the award, to honour his "bravery in standing up to injustice and ... (his) dedicated advocacy work."

"We commend your work in upholding human rights and due process in Saudi Arabia...