SANAD Calls for an End to the Suffering of Journalist Rakan Al-Asiri and Demands His Release

Since early April 2020, Saudi authorities have continued the detention of media activist Rakan Al-Asiri as part of a broad campaign targeting several activists within the Kingdom without providing any legal justification.

During his detention, Al-Asiri’s family has faced increased pressure, with authorities preventing him from communicating with his family for several months following his arrest, a blatant violation of detainee rights and the guarantees of family communication outlined in international law.

In a manipulative move exploiting his detention, Al-Asiri was forced to participate in a government television program aimed at improving the image of Saudi prisons. Despite over four years passing since his arrest, Al-Asiri remains behind bars without a fair trial or a decision for release, in total disregard of his human and legal rights.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to end Rakan Al-Asiri’s suffering and to release him immediately and unconditionally, as well as to halt all violations against him and his family. The organization also urges the international community and human rights organizations to apply necessary pressure on the Saudi government to ensure the respect of detainee rights and their right to a fair trial in accordance with international standards.