human rights organizations such as amnesty international, human rights watch and freedom house condemn both the saudi criminal justice system and its severe punishments. there are no jury trials in saudi arabia and courts observe few formalities. human rights watch, in a 2008 report, noted that a criminal procedure code had been introduced for the first time in 2002, but it lacked some basic protections and, in any case, had been routinely ignored by judges. those arrested are often not informed of the crime of which they are accused or given access to a lawyer and are subject to abusive treatment and torture if they do not confess. at trial, there is a presumption of guilt and the accused is often unable to examine witnesses and evidence or present a legal defense. most trials are held in secret. an example of sentencing is that of uk pensioner and cancer victim karl andree, aged 74, who faced 360 lashes for home brewing alcohol. he was later released due to intervention by the british government.