Abdullah Jilan: Four Years Behind Bars Over Tweets

These days mark the fourth anniversary of the arrest of young activist Abdullah Youssef Jilan, who has been detained since May 2021 in Dhahban Prison in Jeddah, over satirical political tweets posted from an anonymous account in which he called for youth employment rights.

Jilan is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, followed by a 10-year travel ban, under a repressive verdict issued by the Specialized Criminal Court.

According to human rights reports, Jilan has endured grave violations in prison, including arrest without a warrant after a raid on his home, physical torture, electric shocks, beatings, solitary confinement, medical neglect, and denial of legal representation.

Sanad Human Rights Organization reiterates its call on the Saudi authorities to immediately release Abdullah Youssef Jilan and all prisoners of conscience in the Kingdom, end all violations against them, and ensure their basic rights — foremost among them the right to free expression and a fair trial.