Saudi Arabia continues to detain human rights activist Mohammed Al-Wadaani for over 14 years due to his reform demands

Saudi authorities have continued to detain human rights activist and educator Mohammed Al-Wadaani since March 2011, following his peaceful calls for political reform, including the transition to a constitutional monarchy and the release of all prisoners of conscience.

From the moment of his violent arrest in the courtyard of Al-Rajhi Mosque in Riyadh, Al-Wadaani was subjected to severe human rights violations. These included brutal beatings and being kicked in front of worshippers, followed by intense torture inside prison, with visible signs of abuse on his body.

In an act of psychological torture, Saudi authorities also pressured his family members to publicly disown him. On 5 September 2013, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced him to 15 years in prison, as part of a systematic policy to criminalize free expression and peaceful reform advocacy.

Sanad Human Rights Organization condemns the continued detention of Mohammed Al-Wadaani into his 14th year, and demands his immediate release and adequate compensation, along with the release of all prisoners of conscience. The organization also calls for an end to the ongoing repression in Saudi Arabia, stressing that peaceful advocacy for reform is not a crime but a right guaranteed under international law.