Saudi Arabia rejects criticism by British MPs

Saudi Arabia has reacted angrily to criticism of its human rights record by an all-party group of British members of parliament.

The Saudi ambassador to Britain, Ghazi Algosaibi, said Saudi Arabia would never allow foreign governments to interfere in its internal affairs.

He said the report by the parliamentarians contained old allegations which had not been substantiated.

The report, by the parliamentary Human Rights Group, said allegations that the Saudi authorities beat and sexually assaulted both their own nationals and foreigners accused of wrongdoing were not unusual.

It criticised the British government for putting trade interests with Saudi Arabia before the protection of British citizens.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service