Saudi Authorities Release Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Habdan After Seven Years of Detention

Saudi authorities have released academic and researcher Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Habdan after more than seven years in detention since September 2017, without any legal justification. Dr. Al-Habdan was arrested during a forceful and reportedly brutal raid on his home by security forces, carried out without a judicial warrant. He was subsequently subjected to a secret trial, where he was denied basic rights, including access to legal representation.

During his detention, Dr. Al-Habdan endured severe violations, including solitary confinement and being denied contact with his family. These actions constituted serious human rights violations and caused significant psychological and physical suffering.

Sanad Organization for Human Rights welcomes the release of Dr. Al-Habdan but emphasizes that this step does not absolve Saudi authorities of responsibility for the grave abuses he faced. The organization renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience who remain arbitrarily detained under conditions that violate human rights.