🛡️ Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights: Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Advocate

October 9, 2023 5 min read Rahima As-Sudairy Politics Activism Islamic Studies Human Rights Human Rights Saudi Arabia Islamic Activism Politics Middle East

Explore the first independent human rights organization in Saudi Arabia: The Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights (CDLR). Understand its mission, historical background, and impact on Saudi policy and global human rights.

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🛡️ Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights: Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Advocate

Definition and Background

The Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights (CDLR) is the first independent human rights organization in Saudi Arabia, known for its mission focused on restoring and defending Islamic standards and human rights following concerns about moral decline post the Gulf War of 1990–91. Founded in 1993 by Muhammad al-Masari, it soon faced significant opposition from the Saudi government.

Etymology and Formation

The term “legitimate rights” reflects the group’s dedication to what it views as the authentic and divinely ordained rights within Islam. The organization’s formation was catalyzed by the Gulf War’s aftermath, which left the Saudi public distressed by what they saw as deviations from Islamic morals due to foreign interventions and internal governmental policies.

Historical Context

In the 1991 Gulf War aftermath, Saudi citizens increasingly criticized their government’s allegiance with the West and perceived erosion of Islamic values. CDLR’s formation in 1993 by Muhammad al-Masari marked a formalized dissent, calling for profound political, social, and religious reforms. Al-Masari relocated the CDLR’s base to London in 1994 after the organization was banned and associated members were detained in Saudi Arabia.

Key Objectives

Releasing Political Prisoners

The CDLR advocated for the release of individuals detained without due process, often imprisoned for their political or religious expressions.

Accountability of the Royal Family

The committee demanded that the Saudi royal family be held accountable to the citizens, enhancing transparency and democratic processes.

Human Rights Reforms

Focused on comprehensive human rights improvements aligned with Islamic principles, often critiquing tribal influences that contradicted those principles.

Purification of Islam

Emphasizing a need to cleanse Islamic practices of tribal customs that contradicted what the CDLR considered true Islamic doctrine.

Application of Islamic Law

Advocated for a rigorous application of Islamic Sharia law, which they believed would mitigate injustice and oppression within the Kingdom.

Historical Events and Milestones

Banning and Relocation to London

Banned by Saudi authorities in 1994 due to accusations of extremist ties, the CDLR moved its operations to London. This move was pivotal for the organization, giving it a global platform to voice its concerns.

Conflict and Splits

Internal disagreements led to the formation of the Movement for the Islamic Revolution in Arabia (MIRA), further fragmenting opposition to the Saudi regime.

Cultural Impact

Saudi Context

In Saudi Arabia, the CDLR remains a controversial entity, challenging the government’s stated alignment with Islam and governance.

International Human Rights

Globally, CDLR has been a significant voice for Islamic human rights advocacy, often drawing parallels with broader human rights movements.

Synonyms

Human Rights Committee of Saudi Arabia

Muhammad al-Masari: Founder and main spokesperson of CDLR.
Movement for the Islamic Revolution in Arabia (MIRA): A splinter group from CDLR.

Quotations

“Human rights are fundamental to Islam’s message. The Saudi regime’s deviations illustrate a corruption needing dire correction.” — Muhammad al-Masari

Exciting Facts

Despite being banned, CDLR continues its operations from London, utilizing modern technology to broadcast its messages globally.
The committee’s existence underscores the complexity of political dissent within rigidly governed states like Saudi Arabia.

### What year was the Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights (CDLR) established? - [x] 1993 - [ ] 1991 - [ ] 1994 - [ ] 1995 > **Explanation:** The CDLR was established in 1993, in response to perceived declines in Islamic standards post the Gulf War. ### Who founded the Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights? - [x] Muhammad al-Masari - [ ] Madawi Al-Rasheed - [ ] Avi Shlaim - [ ] Toby Craig Jones > **Explanation:** Muhammad al-Masari was the founder and significant driving force behind the CDLR. ### For what reason was the CDLR concerned post the Gulf War of 1990-91? - [x] A perceived erosion of Islamic standards and morals. - [ ] Economic collapse - [ ] Foreign occupation - [ ] Cultural assimilation > **Explanation:** The CDLR was constituted due to concerns about the decline in Islamic standards and morals following the Gulf War and foreign intervention in the region. ### Where did the CDLR relocate its base in 1994? - [x] London - [ ] Paris - [ ] New York - [ ] Berlin > **Explanation:** Following its ban in Saudi Arabia, the CDLR moved its operations to London in 1994. ### Which organization was formed from a split within the CDLR? - [x] Movement for the Islamic Revolution in Arabia (MIRA) - [ ] Amnesty International - [ ] Human Rights Watch - [ ] Red Crescent > **Explanation:** Internal conflicts within the CDLR led to the formation of the Movement for the Islamic Revolution in Arabia (MIRA). ### What is one core principle CDLR advocates for? - [x] Application of Islamic Sharia law - [ ] Secularism - [ ] Increased monarchy power - [ ] Complete westernization > **Explanation:** The CDLR advocates for the strict application of Islamic Sharia law to reduce oppression and ensure justice. ### What was the CDLR's stance towards the Saudi royal family's accountability? - [x] The royal family should be accountable to the people. - [ ] The royal family should have absolute authority. - [ ] The royal family should be dissolved. - [ ] The royal family should abdicate in favor of a secular government. > **Explanation:** The CDLR demanded greater accountability of the Saudi royal family to its citizens, promoting transparency and checks on power. ### Where did the CDLR find its significant voice post-ban? - [x] Globally, with a focus in London - [ ] Only within Saudi Arabia - [ ] In Western Europe - [ ] In the United States > **Explanation:** After relocation to London, the CDLR gained a broader global audience to voice its human rights and political concerns.

To learn more about the CDLR and the intricacies of Saudi human rights efforts, delve into the recommended reading. Shaping our understanding of rights and justice in diverse cultural contexts broadens our perspectives and fosters global unity.

Rahima As-Sudairy

October 9, 2023

“In unity, we find strength. In understanding, we discover peace.”

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