Ben Townley, Gay.com UK
 

24.5.2005

Saudi Arabia has arrested more gay men, according to press reports, despite the recent criticism of its anti-gay legislation by human rights campaigners.

According to the Al-Wifaq news website, as many as 92 men were arrested last weekend as "deviants".

Many of the men are thought to be from other Arab countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. Homosexuality is still illegal in Saudi Arabia, with those found guilty often subjected to torture, imprisonment or execution.

The arrests come after the recent killing of a gay couple accused of murdering a man who had apparently blackmailed them with threats of outing them to authorities.

Additionally, more than 100 men were arrested at an apparent gay wedding earlier this year, although those attending it rejected the accusation.

Last week, a protest was held outside the Saudi embassy in London, calling on the government to update its policy on sexual diversity.

Demonstrators also criticized the UK government for its strong ties with the regime. "Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most homophobic countries," Brett Lock from Outrage! said at the time.

"Gay people are routinely arrested, jailed, tortured, flogged and sometimes executed."

"We want EU and UN sanctions against the Saudi dictatorship. King Fahd should be arrested, taken to the International Criminal Court, and tried on charges of torture and murder. Britain and the EU should halt all trade with the murderous, homophobic Saudi tyranny."