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Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:02 PM
Summary of Bill HR 5833
The bill seeks to address the ongoing human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, particularly targeting dissidents and activists who have been targeted by the Saudi government for speaking out against the regime. It calls for the US government to take action to protect these individuals and hold the Saudi government accountable for their actions.
Specifically, the bill includes provisions for the US government to provide assistance to Saudi dissidents seeking asylum in the United States, as well as support for those who are facing threats to their safety and well-being. It also calls for increased monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, with the goal of promoting transparency and accountability. Overall, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023 aims to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Saudi Arabia and provide support to those who are bravely speaking out against the oppressive regime. It represents a bipartisan effort to stand up for human rights and promote democracy and freedom of expression in the region.
Congressional Summary of HR 5833
Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2023
This bill imposes temporary limits on arms sales to Saudi Arabia and requires various reports and actions related to the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The President may not transfer or authorize for export certain defense articles or services to Saudi Arabia for 120 days after this bill's enactment. The prohibition shall remain in effect for up to three years unless the President periodically certifies to Congress that Saudi Arabia has not conducted (1) forced repatriation, intimidation, or killing of dissidents in other countries; (2) unjust imprisonment in Saudi Arabia of U.S. citizens or lawful aliens; or (3) torture of detainees in custody of the government of Saudi Arabia.
The President shall certify to Congress that individuals with Saudi diplomatic credentials are not using such credentials to track or harass Saudi nationals in the United States. If the President does not make such a certification, the President shall close at least one Saudi diplomatic or consular facility in the United States until the certification is made.
The bill requires reports to Congress on (1) whether any Saudi officials have engaged in a consistent pattern of harassment against any individual in the United States, and (2) whether the intelligence community fulfilled its duty to warn Khashoggi of the threats to his life.
