Rights Groups Condemn Riyadh over Trial of Women Activists

The public prosecution said Friday that the activists had been referred to court, as its investigation is complete.

Some of those detained have allegedly faced torture and sexual harassment during interrogation, following their arrest in May last year in a sweeping crackdown on campaigners.

"The Saudi authorities have done nothing to investigate serious allegations of torture," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, AFP reported.

"Now it's the women's rights activists, not any torturers, who face criminal charges and trials."

More than a dozen activists were arrested just a month before the lifting of a decades-long ban on women drivers.

Most were accused of undermining security and aiding enemies of the state. Some were later released.

Amnesty International called Friday's announcement a "shocking sign of the kingdom's escalating crackdown on activists" and demanded "the immediate release of prisoners of conscience."

Trials in the kingdom are often shrouded in secrecy.

The prosecutor did not specify the charges or give a date for their trial.

But the announcement sparked speculation that the activists could be released under the cover of a judicial process after the crackdown prompted scathing criticism against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

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