30 July, 2007 - Published 17:27 GMT

Review Rizana verdict - HRW

An international rights organisation has appealed to Saudi authorities to review a death sentence imposed upon a Sri Lankan teenager, Rizana Nafeek.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reminded Saudi authorities that international law prohibits sentencing minors under the age of 18 to death.

"This case raises many troubling questions about the treatment of children and foreigners in Saudi Arabia's criminal justice system," said HRW spokeswoman Nisha Varia.

'Protect' Sri Lankans

19-year old Rizana Nafeek was sentenced last month to death for allegedly killing an infant in her care in 2005.

The Rights watchdog said the court should also review the fairness of the original investigation and trial.

Sri Lankan embassy in Riyadh lodged an appeal against the death sentence, last week.

Sri Lanka government is also urged to provide stronger protections to its workers abroad specially in the Middle East.

The HRW estimates that nearly 500,000 Sri Lankan workers are among the eight million migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.