A Canadian political refugee made videos criticizing Saudi Arabia — now Saudi authorities have arrested his friends and family

Screenshot/Youtube

• The family and friends of a Canadian political refugee and activist have been arrested in Saudi Arabia. 
• Omar Abdulaziz, 27, told Business Insider Saudi authorities approached his family to pressure him to stop criticizing the government. 
• When he refused, he says two of his brothers and several of his friends disappeared.
• Abdulaziz suspects that the timing of the arrests has much to do with the ongoing diplomatic dispute between Saudi Arabia and Canada which continues to escalate.

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The family and friends of a Canadian political refugee and activist have been arrested in Saudi Arabia as the rift between the two countries deepens. 

Omar Abdulaziz, 27, told Business Insider that the government has targeted two of his brothers and several of his friends back home in Saudi Arabia in response to his political activism. Abdulaziz is active on Twitter and hosts a popular satirical news program on YouTube, where he has spoken out against the Saudi government and its human rights record.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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See Also:

• Justin Trudeau says he is continuing to 'engage diplomatically' with Saudi Arabia but remains 'concerned' over the impending execution of a Saudi activist
• Canada fires back at Saudi Arabia for preparing to behead a female activist for the first time
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SEE ALSO: Saudi Arabia, which has been calling out Canada over women's rights, may soon behead a female activist for the first time

from Business Insider https://ift.tt/2w6yNCQ