In the depths of Saudi prisons: Nine years since the arrest of Israa Al-Ghamgam

These days mark the ninth anniversary of Saudi activist Israa Al-Ghamgam’s arrest in December 2015 over charges related to freedom of expression.

During her detention, Al-Ghamgam was subjected to torture and enforced disappearance. She also faced the threat of execution after the Saudi Public Prosecutor demanded her execution in August 2018. However, following international pressure, the Saudi authorities withdrew the death penalty. In 2021, the Saudi judiciary sentenced her to eight years in prison. Yet, as her sentence neared completion, it was extended to 13 years.

Israa Al-Ghamgam’s case exemplifies the Saudi authorities’ crackdown on human rights activists and reveals the regime’s willingness to fabricate charges and suppress freedom of expression to silence its critics.

Israa Al-Ghamgam remains in detention to this day, and the Sanad Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to release her and all prisoners of conscience immediately.