Rights activists worried by new Saudi 'counter-terrorism law' criminalizing 'critical speech'

Rights activists are reportedly worried that Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz's newly sanctioned counter-terrorism law criminalizes speech that is critical of the government or society.

According to the new law, any act that "undermines" the state or society, including calls for regime change in Saudi Arabia, can be tried as an act of terrorism and both Saudis and non-Saudis, living in the country or abroad can be tried under the new law for assisting in such acts, the Gulf News reported.

Meanwhile, the police will now have the authority to raid homes and offices without warrants and prior approvals.

The 41 articles long law, implemented with effect on Sunday was published in full in the government's official gazette Umm Al Qura on Friday.