On the Fourth Anniversary of His Arrest: Dr. Rashid Al-Alma’i—Nine Years in Prison for Attending a Seminar and Owning a Book

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Dr. Rashid bin Hassan Al-Alma’i, professor of Creed and Contemporary Sects at King Khalid University in Abha, who was detained by Saudi authorities on July 8, 2021. His arrest came in response to his attendance at a licensed academic seminar held nine years earlier, and his possession of a traditional Islamic book, unrelated to any banned activity.

Dr. Rashid was arrested for attending a seminar titled “Freedom: Between Slogan and Reality”, delivered by Dr. Saud Al-Funaisan at the home of Dr. Awad Al-Qarni. He was also found in possession of the book “From the Guidance of Islam: Contemporary Fatwas”—a mainstream fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) work authored by a scholar who had received the King Faisal International Prize, suggesting official recognition of the author’s credibility.

Despite the seminar being fully licensed, and no evidence of Dr. Rashid organizing or even speaking at the event, he faced serious charges, including “supporting extremist ideology,” “harboring those who promote it,” and “gathering with individuals seeking to destabilize state security.” During his trial, Dr. Rashid clarified that he did not know the identities of the attendees, was unaware of the content or participants of the seminar, and did not have the opportunity to contribute in any way.

The court also cited his possession of the book as evidence against him, though he stated he had obtained it after learning that its author was honored in the Kingdom, and stressed that merely owning a book is not proof of embracing its ideas—especially since the book contains no incitement to violence or terrorism.

Despite these clear gaps in the case, and medical reports confirming a chronic neurological condition and health deterioration due to prison conditions, the court rejected all appeals for temporary release or suspension of the sentence. He was ultimately handed a harsh sentence of 9 years in prison, followed by a 9-year travel ban, under provisions of the Anti-Terrorism and Financing Law.

SANAD Human Rights Organization renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Rashid Al-Alma’i, and condemns his continued arbitrary detention despite his worsening health and the absence of credible legal evidence. The organization urges Saudi authorities to review the case, end the unjust suffering of a scholar imprisoned simply for attending a seminar and exercising his legitimate right to seek knowledge.