Saudi Arabia to keep ban on churches

Saudi daily Al-Sharq reported that Justice Minister Mohammed al-Issa confirmed in his meeting with EU Parliament representatives that his country followed Wahhabist-Salafist ideology, and that Saudi government “does not allow the establishment of non-Muslim places of worship.”

Saudi media quoted the Minister, writing that “a country hosting the most sacred shrines of Muslims, would not allow construction of other non-Muslim places of worship. The remarks by al-Issa came in response to a question by EU parliament representatives on the issue. Al-Issa then explained the rules governing the Saudi Judiciary.

Saudi Arabia has been under the criticism of many human rights organizations for the lack of religious freedom and ban on practicing other religions. Saudi government has based its behavior on Islamic rules and principles, while Islam has emphasized on the freedom of religion.

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