Australian on trial for terrorism in Saudi Arabia: Human Rights Abuses Reported

In an article reported in the ABC News, The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has confirmed an Australian man is on trial for alleged terrorism-related offences in Saudi Arabia.

DFAT says the 25-year-old, named in the media as Shayden Thorne from Perth, was arrested 18 months ago and is being detained in a prison outside Riyadh.

His brother, Junaid Muhammed Thorne, 23, is also in the country but is in hiding after being released from prison after two months of detention without being charged.

Both brothers have lived in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade, although they have kept their Australian citizenship.

DFAT has confirmed that consular officials have been assisting Shayden since his arrest in November 2011.

The Greens say Shayden's detention is an "outrageous abuse of his rights".

WA Senator Scott Ludlam says the Government must "vigorously" investigate the claims of torture, "Saudi Arabia is not renowned for due process, rule of law or fair treatment of suspects," said WA Senator Scott Ludlam.

"It is essential that the Federal Government makes the maximum effort to protect the human rights of Junaid and Shayden Thorne."

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