WGAD Report on the Case of Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
WGAD issued Opinion No. 30/2022 during its session held between March 30 and April 8, 2022, published on September 19, 2022. The report addressed the case of Saudi humanitarian worker Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan, confirming that his detention by Saudi authorities constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights law and falls under four categories of arbitrary detention. The report called for his immediate release, compensation, and accountability for those responsible for the violations committed against him.
Unlawful Arrest and Prolonged Enforced Disappearance
According to the report, al-Sadhan was arrested on March 12, 2018, from his workplace at the Saudi Red Crescent headquarters in Riyadh by plainclothes officers from the State Security Presidency. He was detained without a warrant or explanation of the reasons for his arrest and was denied contact with his family or legal counsel from the moment of detention.
He was taken to an undisclosed location, and his personal belongings were confiscated without legal justification. His family searched for him for months without any official information about his whereabouts. Given the authorities’ denial and lack of transparency, his fate was unknown, which constitutes enforced disappearance under international law.
This state of disappearance lasted for nearly two years. His family was allowed to hear from him for the first time in February 2020 in a one-minute phone call, after which he was again isolated. Even after that, authorities continued to deny family visits or regular communication, confirming the persistence of unlawful detention conditions.
Systematic Torture and Inhumane Treatment
The report documented testimonies and complaints indicating that al-Sadhan was subjected to severe torture during detention in secret facilities. He endured electric shocks, severe beatings resulting in broken bones, suspension by his feet, sleep deprivation, death threats, verbal abuse, and prolonged solitary confinement.
He was coerced into signing confessions while blindfolded and without legal representation, constituting a gross violation of justice and fundamental human rights.
Secret Trial and Fabricated Charges Based on Free Expression
WGAD stated that al-Sadhan was referred to the Specialized Criminal Court, widely known for persecuting peaceful dissidents. He was tried in secrecy, denied the right to choose his lawyer, and was not granted adequate time or facilities to review evidence or prepare his defense.
The Public Prosecution based its charges on satirical tweets allegedly posted from anonymous Twitter accounts, with no proof linking him to the content. He was accused of “financing terrorism,” “sympathizing with ISIS,” and “disturbing public order”—vague accusations under broad laws used to criminalize peaceful expression, in direct violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Unjust Sentence and Disregard for Fair Trial Principles
On April 5, 2021, the court sentenced al-Sadhan to 20 years in prison, followed by a 20-year travel ban. The verdict was issued without fair trial standards, and without considering the torture allegations or allowing a proper defense.
Despite appeals filed with higher courts, the Saudi judiciary upheld the sentence without addressing any claims of torture or arbitrary detention.
WGAD: Al-Sadhan’s Detention Constitutes a Crime Against Humanity
WGAD concluded that al-Sadhan’s detention falls under four categories of arbitrary detention:
Absence of legal basis for arrest (Category I).
Detention for exercising freedom of expression (Category II).
Violation of fair trial guarantees (Category III).
Discrimination based on political opinion (Category V).
The report emphasized that such violations reflect a systematic pattern in Saudi Arabia and may constitute a crime against humanity under international law.
UN Call for Release, Compensation, and Accountability
WGAD called on Saudi authorities to release al-Sadhan immediately and unconditionally, provide compensation and redress, conduct an independent investigation to hold perpetrators accountable, and review domestic laws to align with international standards—especially counterterrorism and cybercrime laws.
The Working Group also urged the Saudi government to allow it to visit the country to assess detention conditions.
Sanad Organization: Al-Sadhan Still Forcibly Disappeared Under an Unjust Sentence
Sanad Rights Organization confirms that Abdulrahman al-Sadhan remains forcibly disappeared, with Saudi authorities continuing to withhold information about his detention conditions and denying his family regular contact. He is still serving an unjust 20-year prison sentence, defying the findings and recommendations of WGAD.
Sanad holds the Saudi government fully responsible for al-Sadhan’s physical and mental well-being and considers the government’s disregard for the UN report a grave violation of international law and a sign of the regime’s unwillingness to respect human rights.
Urgent Call to Comply with International Recommendations
Sanad reiterates its call for Saudi Arabia to implement WGAD’s recommendations immediately, release Abdulrahman al-Sadhan without conditions, end all forms of abuse against prisoners of conscience, and initiate a new chapter of justice, dignity, and human rights.
