Saudi Hunger Striker's Health Deteriorating

A Saudi human rights group voiced alarm on Tuesday about the health of one of its members, who has been on hunger strike for almost a month and who stopped drinking water at the weekend.

"The interior ministry... carries full responsibility over the deteriorating health condition of prominent rights activist and member of the association Mohammed bin Saleh al-Bajadi," the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) said.

Bajadi "stopped drinking water early Saturday... fainting four times in a row, which proves that his life is in danger and his death inevitable," said the statement.

But interior ministry spokesman Mansur al-Turki denied to Agence France Presse that Bajadi is on hunger strike.

"Bajadi is taking his meals regularly and is in good health," he said.

The rights group called for Bajadi's "immediate release," saying he must face a "fair public trial."

Last month, ACPRA said Bajadi was arrested after publicly revealing information about the alleged "death by torture of Yemeni citizen Sultan Abdo al-Duais" while in Saudi custody.

A fellow activist, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, said Bajadi has been charged with "inciting people to protest, possession of banned books and damaging the reputation of the state."