Abdulrahman Al-Duwaish Detained for Over Three Years in Saudi Arabia After Asking About His Forcibly Disappeared Father

For more than three years, Saudi authorities have detained Abdulrahman Al-Duwaish, the son of Dr. Suleiman Al-Duwaish, who has been forcibly disappeared since 2016.

Abdulrahman’s ordeal began in October 2021, at age 20, when he was arrested after sending a text message to Bader Al-Asaker, Director of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s office, inquiring about his father’s whereabouts. By the end of November that year, Abdulrahman’s health had deteriorated in detention to the point that he was transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, his brother Malik Al-Duwaish is serving a 27-year prison sentence after posting a video in July 2022 questioning why their father has been missing since 2016, why his family has been prevented from contacting him, and why he has not been brought to trial. Malik was arrested immediately after the video spread.

Sanad Human Rights Organization holds Saudi authorities fully responsible for the safety of Abdulrahman and Malik Al-Duwaish. It renews its call for their immediate release and for disclosure of the whereabouts of their father, Dr. Suleiman Al-Duwaish, who has been forcibly disappeared since 2016. Sanad also urges relevant authorities to respect human rights and cease the practice of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions.