Continued Arbitrary Detention of Dr. Adel Bana’ema

More than six years after his arrest, Dr. Adel Bana’ema remains arbitrarily detained in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, serving an 8-year prison sentence.

Bana’ema is a thinker, poet, and writer, and a faculty member of the Arabic Language College at Umm Al-Qura University. He holds a Ph.D. with honors and has expertise in TV presentation and production. He is a board member of the Jeddah Literary Club, an editor at several local newspapers, and has produced and presented various TV programs. He has written numerous articles for local and Arab newspapers.

He was arrested from his home in Mecca on September 12, 2017, following a midnight raid, during which his devices, several books, and research papers were confiscated.

In prison, he has faced several violations, including solitary confinement for several months, denial of communication with family, and prohibition from appointing a lawyer. His family was also intimidated during his arrest. He was dismissed from his position at Umm Al-Qura University and suffered medical neglect, especially after his health deteriorated due to stomach and intestinal diseases.