Amnesty International urges Greece to scrap Saudi arms sale


A leading global rights organization is urging Greece's government to scrap a controversial arms sale to Saudi Arabia, saying the weapons could be used against civilians in the ongoing war in Yemen.

Amnesty International voiced deep concern on Monday over the proposed deal, saying there was a “real danger” that the artillery shells would be used by the Saudi-led military coalition fighting Shiite rebels in the impoverished country.

The agreement has been strongly criticized by Greek opposition parties, while at least two lawmakers in the governing left-wing SYRIZA party have called for its cancelation on grounds that the arms could be used in Yemen. [AP]