By Kathryn Maureen Ryan
Impunity Watch, Managing Editor

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Abdullah ibn Abdilazīz, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has died at the age of 90, Saudi state television has said. Saudi state run media television cut to Koranic verses early on Friday, which often signifies the death of a senior member of royal Royal Family, the House of Saud. Just a few minutes after cutting to readings of Koranic verses a formal announcement about King Abdullah’s passing was made, he had been hospitalized for several weeks and was suffering from pneumonia. Abdullah came to power in 2005 but had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.

United States President Barack Obama said of King Abdullah, “as a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond,” he said.

According to Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra King Abdullah “is someone who is definitely going to be remembered as a reformist within the royal family.” State media also announced that Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, aged 79, is now officially the new Saudi king. “His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1 a.m. this morning,” State TV reported.

The newly named King Salman called on the royal family’s Allegiance Council to recognize Prince Muqrin as the new crown prince. “His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1am this morning,” the statement said.

King Abdullah has been called a reformer by some for his allowance of mild criticism of his government in the press. As king he also hinted that more women should be allowed to work in Saudi Arabia. However, throughout his reign as king Human Rights violations remained rampant in the country, most recently a webizen was convicted and sentenced to lashing for criticizing the state on an internet blog. Basic rights are denied to foreign workers in the country and freedom of movement is limited for women without a male companion and women are denied other rights including the right to drive.

For more information please see:

Al Jazeera – King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia dies – 22 January 2015

The Associated Press – Saudi State TV Reports: King Abdullah Has Died At 90 – 22 January 2015

BBC News – Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah dies – 22 January 2015

Bloomberg – Oil Surges in New York After Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Dies – 22 January 2015