The director of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division is attempting to raise money from Saudi investors, a report has alleged.

The report by the Wall Street Journal alleges that the director, Sarah Leah Whitson, has been seeking money from senior Saudis, in part by highlighting the organisation’s condemnation of Israel.

Her targets have included a member of the Shura Council, which oversees the imposition in the country of strict Islamic law.

The government of Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its oppression of religious and political minorities, homosexuality, and women.

Human Right's Watch has been one of Israel's fiercest critics, especially since the recent Gaza conflict.