Criticism of Saudi Arabia as fight venue for Joshua vs Ruiz Jr

Tehran (IQNA)- Amnesty International has urged Joshua to find out more about Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

There has been widespread criticism of the decision to hold the heavyweight boxing rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Junior in Saudi Arabia.

It is a decision that has drawn criticism, following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and the country's ongoing military campaign in Yemen.

Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's head of campaigns, called for Joshua to "inform himself of the human rights situation and be prepared to speak out about Saudi Arabia's abysmal human rights record".

"If Anthony Joshua fights Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia, it's likely to be yet another opportunity for the Saudi authorities to try to 'sportswash' their severely tarnished image," he added.

"Despite some long-overdue reforms on women's rights, Saudi Arabia is currently in the grip of a sweeping human rights crackdown, with women's rights activists, lawyers and members of the Shia minority community all being targeted.

"There's been no justice over the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen is carrying out indiscriminate attacks on homes, hospitals and market-places with horrific consequences for Yemeni civilians."

The two will face off on December 7 in Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

 

Source: Middleeasteye