SANAD Human Rights Organization Condemns the Continued Detention of a Canadian Citizen in Saudi Arabia Over a “Like” on a Tweet

SANAD Human Rights Organization is closely following the case of a Canadian citizen of Arab descent who has been held in Saudi prisons for more than a year and a half without being brought to trial or having any verdict issued against him. According to his wife and family members, who spoke to Radio Canada, he was arrested upon arrival at Jeddah Airport from Toronto in April 2023, where he had planned to spend Eid al-Fitr holiday with his wife and four children.

Detention Conditions and Ambiguous Charges

Family sources informed Radio Canada that the reason for the Canadian citizen’s arrest was his participation in or liking of a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter) related to a Saudi dissident. Despite his detention for over a year and a half, no formal charges have been filed against him, raising deep concerns about his fate and mental health while in prison.

In an exclusive statement to Radio Canada, his wife expressed deep worry about her husband’s condition, stating, “He has spent more than a year and a half in prison without any charges or trial. He is living behind bars without knowing when this nightmare will end.” She added that the rare and brief phone calls allowed between him and his family have only increased their anxiety.

Sudden Transfer Without Notification to the Canadian Embassy

In June, he was transferred to a prison more than 600 kilometers from Jeddah without notifying Canadian authorities, prompting his wife to criticize the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh for what she described as negligence in following up on his case. Despite this sudden transfer, the embassy informed the family that it had also come as a “surprise” to them and that Saudiauthorities should have notified them.

Tragic Family Circumstances

While the Canadian citizen faces an uncertain fate in prison, his wife and four daughters live in dire conditions in Canada after receiving permanent residency visas. The family currently resides in a homeless shelter in Ontario, struggling with financial difficulties and the challenges of caring for their children. One of their daughters suffers from autism spectrum disorder, while another has diabetes.

Call for International Intervention

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on the international community and the Canadian government to intensify efforts to secure the release of their citizen and ensure his fundamental rights. Detaining individuals without charges or trial constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights and cannot be tolerated. The organization also urges Saudi authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.

In conclusion, SANAD Human Rights Organization reaffirms its commitment to closely following this case and providing necessary support to his family, calling for urgent action to end their suffering.