Release of Human Rights Activist Mohammed Al-Rubaia After Seven Years of Detention

Saudi authorities have released human rights activist Mohammed Al-Rubaia, more than seven years after his arrest in mid-May 2018 due to his peaceful activism and advocacy for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

The Specialized Criminal Court initially sentenced Al-Rubaia to six years in prison. The Court of Appeal later reduced the sentence to four years and six months. However, just days before the end of his sentence, the court overturned the ruling and reopened his trial, eventually issuing a new sentence of 17 years in prison—before his eventual release.

Throughout his detention, Al-Rubaia was subjected to severe human rights violations, including electric shocks, simulated drowning, suspension by the feet, confinement in a small cabinet, and deprivation of sleep and food.

Sanad Human Rights Organization congratulates Mohammed Al-Rubaia and his family on his release and calls on Saudi authorities to lift travel bans imposed on him and other recently released activists. Sanad also renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia.