Despite Completing His Sentence Nearly a Year Ago, Saudi Authorities Continue to Arbitrarily Detain Abdullah Al-Sayel

Saudi authorities are still arbitrarily detaining Abdullah Al-Sayel, despite the expiration of his five-year prison sentence, which ended nearly a year ago—a clear violation of Saudi domestic law, particularly Article 213 of the Criminal Procedure Law, which mandates the immediate release of a prisoner once their sentence is completed.

Al-Sayel was arrested in September 2019 after Saudi security forces raided his home in the Muhayil Asir governorate. His arrest came in response to tweets he posted expressing support for prisoners of conscience in the Kingdom. Although his detention was arbitrary and related to freedom of expression, he was sentenced to five years in prison.

SANAD Human Rights Organization strongly condemns the continued detention of Abdullah Al-Sayel beyond the completion of his sentence, and urges Saudi authorities to immediately release him in accordance with national law. SANAD also reiterates its call for the unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia and an end to all forms of repression targeting freedom of expression.