Saudi Court Convicts 38 People for Financing Terrorism

One of those sentenced had set up a "terrorist organisation" while in prison and others committed takfir - labelling followers as non-believers - against the Saudi government, Muslim scholars and security forces, state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported. 

In 2017, the oil-rich kingdom launched a crackdown on dissent, arresting scores of leaders, intellectuals and activists. Some have been put on trial for terrorism-related charges.

In April, Saudi Arabia beheaded 37 men for alleged crimes. The United Nations human rights chief said most were Shia Muslims who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced.

Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018, and the detention of women's rights activists who are still on trial.