Donald Trump's Commerce Secretary praises lack of demonstrations in Saudi Arabia, where protests are punishable by death

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross praised the lack of protests during Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, despite the country being well known for handing out brutal punishments to dissenting voices. Over a dozen prominent activists convicted on charges arising from their peaceful activities were serving long prison sentences in 2016, according to Human Rights Watch. Asked whether this could be because protests were stifled in the country, Mr Ross replied: “In theory, that could be true.