Read the information about the countries of SW Asia and then write a 1 paragraph response using RACES that answers: Compare and
contrast citizen rights of Isreal, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Israel
For Israelis and visitors who choose religious practice of any faith or denomination (religious group an individual chooses), freedom of worship is assured as one of Israel’s basic tenets (beliefs). Those who prefer freedom from religion are equally protected. All Israeli citizens enjoy the full civil, legal and political rights guaranteed by a democratic (free) society. Some examples include the right to elect and to be elected, the right to free education, the freedom of expression and association, and many more.
Turkey
There is an ongoing debate in the country on the right to life, torture, freedom of expression as well as freedoms of religion, assembly and association. Turkey still keeps laws which are seen as undemocratic (not free) or authoritarian (strict obedience), such as prohibiting minorities (Kurds the country's largest minority) to get a primary education in their mother tongue. In March 2017, the United Nations accused the Turkish government of "massive destruction, killings and numerous other serious human rights violations" against the ethnic Kurdish minority. Some independent newspapers and websites face tremendous political pressure and are targeted for prosecution if they say anything negative about the government. Academics (university/schools) who openly discuss sensitive or politically charged subjects have found themselves targeted by the government.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s absolute monarchy restricts almost all political rights and civil liberties. Women and religious minorities face extensive discrimination in law and in practice. Political Rights: Saudi Arabia’s king is chosen by his predecessor (the person who rules after a king) from among male descendants of the country’s founder, though the choice must be approved by a council of senior princes. The king rules for life. Political parties are forbidden, and political dissent (go against) is effectively criminalized (found guilty/imprisoned). Opposition (to go against) movements are banned. Noncitizens, who make up roughly a third (33%) of the population in Saudi Arabia, have no political rights, and citizenship can only be directly transmitted by a citizen father whose marriage is recognized by the state. The government controls domestic media content; print and satellite-television coverage. Journalists can be imprisoned. In October 2018, one of the country’s most prominent journalists, Jamal Khashoggi, was murdered by Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who had been critical of the government under Mohammed bin Salman, had been working in the United States as a columnist at the Washington Post. Saudi officials blamed rogue intelligence agents, but according to a UN special rapporteur, the evidence suggested that the crown prince was involved. In December 2019, a Saudi court sentenced five men to death for their role in the killing, and three others received prison sentences, but the most senior officials under investigation were acquitted due to a supposed lack of evidence. Mohammed bin Salman was never officially investigated. The government prohibits the public practice of any religion other than Islam. Academic freedom is restricted, and informers monitor classrooms. Freedom of assembly (to come together as a group) is prohibited. The government has imposed harsh punishments, including the death penalty on those who lead or participate in public protests. Torture by police and prison officials is common. In March 2019, international media published leaked prison medical records indicating that a number of political prisoners were suffering from cuts, bruises, burns, and malnutrition. Human rights groups had reported in late 2018 that detained (held in custody) women’s rights activists were given electric shocks, whipped, and beaten.
