Amnesty UK: Court ruling deadly blow to Yemeni civilians

Amnesty International says a recent UK court ruling that the British government is entitled to continue authorizing arms supplies to Saudi Arabia is a deadly blow to Yemeni civilians.

Amnesty International says a recent UK court ruling that the British government is entitled to continue authorizing arms supplies to Saudi Arabia is a deadly blow to Yemeni civilians.

Head of Arms Control and Human Rights at Amnesty James Lynch on Monday described the court ruling as “disappointing.”

“Extensive and credible reports, including Amnesty International’s own research on the ground in Yemen, have in our view demonstrated that such weapons have been used to commit serious violations, including war crimes, against civilians in Yemen and that – in light of the clear risk – authorizing further transfers would be counter to the UK’s obligations under international law,” Lynch noted.

The developments come after the High Court in London reviewed a plea against the country’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia, deciding that the government’s weapons sales were not against law.