The Saudi authorities prevent Walid Abu al-Khair from receiving treatment

The Saudi authorities have illegally prevented detained human rights activist Walid Abu al-Khair from being transferred to a hospital and receiving the necessary medical treatment, despite his urgent need due to health problems.

This violation is not the first Walid Abu al-Khair has faced in Saudi prisons since his arrest in April 2014, due to his human rights and reform activities. He has previously been subjected to torture, beatings on his back, and being dragged by chains. In February 2023, the prison administration incited prisoners to beat him, with Officer Ahmad Al-Shahri leading the incitement. Abu al-Khair subsequently announced a hunger strike, leading to his being placed in solitary confinement.

On July 6, 2014, the Specialized Criminal Court dealing with terrorism cases convicted him and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, ten years of which are to be served and five suspended, along with a 15-year travel ban following the completion of his sentence and a fine of 200,000 Saudi Riyals. On January 12, 2015, the case returned from the appeals court, which requested an increase in the sentence against Abu al-Khair, resulting in a final sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.