In this episode of The Empire Files, host Abby Martin takes an astute look at America’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and provides a startling overview of the country’s poor record on human rights abuses.
On the surface, Saudi Arabia appears to be a luxurious, civilized society, complete with palatial architecture and lavish resorts. The image stands in stark contrast to footage of Saudi citizens being brutally punished for crimes of any kind. These punishments ranged from amputation and violent flogging to public beheadings. Saudi Arabia is one of four countries in the world that still practice public beheadings and possible crucifixion. Arbitrary detention and prosecution of people in secret trials are alarmingly widespread. A whopping 43 percent of these executions were for non-violent crimes. So why did the United Nations choose the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to chair its human rights body? Martin examines this contradictory arrangement with her usual skepticism and skepticism.
The patriarchal nature of Saudi Arabian society has also come under scrutiny as Martin exposes the pervasive oppression of women’s rights and the country’s propensity to punish women who are sexually assaulted. Martin emphasized that women’s rights are human rights and hold the UN accountable for their choice of Saudi Arabia to take this improper position. She also highlighted violence against youth, especially activists.
Martin goes on to link the role of the oil and defense industries to the image distortion that has allowed Saudi Arabia to establish itself as an ally in America’s war on terror; responsible for inciting the establishment of ISIS and Al Qaeda in a manner that
Gloomy and chilling, “The Real House of Saudis” makes its point with vivid images in which not only Saudis are brutalized, but civilians in neighboring countries are brutalized as well. Not for the faint of heart, this film takes a deep and serious look at international relations and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the harm that happens every day in the name of freedom.
