Still waiting for a trial date, the family of a Saudi man allegedly beaten to death by members of the religious police have been asked by the court to gather all their documents in preparation. The family is not disputing that the deceased may not have been a pillar of society—two of his brothers are being detained on drug charges. But even criminal has the right not to be beaten to death by the authorities. This Arab News story has the details of where the case now stands.

Trial Looms in Al-Huraisi’s Custody Death
Raid Qusti, Arab News

RIYADH, 3 September 2007 — The High Court in Riyadh is considering the case of Salman Al-Huraisi, a 28-year-old Saudi man who was allegedly beaten to death by members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice after they raided his house in the capital late May.

According to a family member, a judge last week summoned relatives of Al-Huraisi and asked them to prepare all legal documents relating to the case, which was officially transferred to the court by the Commission of Investigation and Prosecution General.

…While the High Court is preparing for the trial of two commission members responsible for Salman’s death, a lower court is trying his brother, Ismail, on drug charges.

In addition to Ismail, Abdullah, another of Salman’s brothers, and Ahmed, a relative, have also been arrested on charges relating to narcotics.
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