Russia backs Riyadh in Canadian dispute over jailed rights activists

RFE/RL
Thu, 09 Aug 2018 01:20 UTC

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Russia, on August 8, came out in support of Saudi Arabia in its dispute with Canada over Riyadh's arrest of women's rights activists, saying it is "unacceptable" for Ottawa to lecture the kingdom on human rights.

Saudi Arabia froze new trade and investment with Canada and expelled the Canadian ambassador this week after Canada publicly called for the release of arrested human rights activists.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on August 8 that human rights should be promoted, but with respect for specific national customs and traditions.

"We believe that Saudi Arabia, having embarked on a path of large-scale social and economic reforms, fully has the sovereign right to decide how to move forward in this important area. We have always said that the politicization of human rights matters is unacceptable," Zakharova said. "What one probably needs in this situation is constructive advice and assistance rather than criticism from a 'moral superior.'"

The Saudis have announced an array of sanctions against Canada, from suspending all flights to and from Toronto, to ordering home over 15,000 Saudi students studying in Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on August 8 that Ottawa will not back down from its criticism or apologize, despite demands from Riyadh to do so.

Canada will continue "to speak strongly, firmly, clearly, and politely about the need to respect human rights at home and around the world," he told reporters in Montreal.

Comment: Meanwhile, the US has distanced itself from the kerfuffle by refusing to take sides in the escalating diplomatic feud between Ottawa and Riyadh.

From Vanity Fair, the US State Department's comment:

"Canada and Saudi Arabia are both close allies of the United States," the State Department said, employing a curiously expansive definition of the term. "We have asked the government of Saudi Arabia for additional information on the detention of several activists. We continue to encourage the government of Saudi Arabia to respect due process and to publicize information on the status of legal cases. We address these broad concerns in our annual Human Rights Report."