The continued detention of Dr. Khaled Al-Rashed since 2005

The Saudi authorities have continued the detention of Dr. Khaled Al-Rashed since 2005, despite more than 6,900 days having passed since his arrest without any guilt other than expressing his opinion.

In prison, Al-Rashed was subjected to a number of serious violations including enforced disappearance for a continuous period of 6 months in a solitary confinement cell, in addition to being physically and psychologically tortured. He was subjected to beatings on his face, suspension after tying his hands and feet, and was prevented from communicating with his family. There were periods when he was deprived of sleep, and Dr. Al-Rashed suffered from deliberate medical neglect in prison despite his deteriorating health condition.

Al-Rashed faced an unfair trial where he was initially sentenced to 5 years in prison, which was increased to 15 years upon appeal. After serving this term, an additional 8 years were added, and upon another appeal, a further 17 years were added, bringing the total length of his sentence to 40 years.