In a recent development that has sparked international outcry, a Saudi court has sentenced 12 football fans to prison terms ranging from six months to a year for chanting Shia religious songs during a football match in January. The arrest and subsequent sentencing of the Al Safa supporters came after a video of them chanting during the game circulated on social media, drawing attention to the strict regulations surrounding public expressions of dissent in Saudi Arabia. This incident has not only raised concerns about freedom of speech in the country but has also brought FIFA's decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia under scrutiny, with human rights groups and Newcastle fans condemning the trial as a blatant violation of free speech.
12 football fans jailed for chanting during match in Saudi Arabia as World Cup concerns emerge https://t.co/RuTQJXTHgm https://t.co/vOYtshHuAp
12 Saudi fans have been jailed for peaceful chanting at a match 🇸🇦 FIFA's decision to hand Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup has come under the spotlight https://t.co/RuTQJXTHgm https://t.co/NjXryDaXdM
A dozen prison sentences for…*checks notes*... chanting at a sporting event? That’s what football fans risk in Saudi Arabia. https://t.co/Bbp3vmmX5A
A Saudi court sentenced 12 football fans from six months to a year in prison for peacefully chanting during a January football match. Saudi police arrested the fans after a video of them chanting a Shia religious song during a match spread on social media. https://t.co/yu0x42D026
Saudi fans face jail for chanting at games in ‘blatant violation of free speech’ Human rights groups and Newcastle fans condemn trial of Al Safa supporters over Shia religious songs https://t.co/j7qZjHLioK