Islamic scholar Naif Al-Sahafi enters his ninth year in prison

Naif Al-Sahafi, an Islamic scholar, has now entered his ninth year behind bars in Saudi Arabia since his arrest in September 2017, during a sweeping crackdown that targeted scholars, thinkers, and activists.

Throughout his detention, Al-Sahafi endured severe violations, beginning with enforced disappearance and prolonged denial of contact with his family, followed by a secret trial that lacked the most basic standards of justice. He was denied legal representation and ultimately handed an unjust 10-year prison sentence.

His continued arbitrary detention reflects the Saudi authorities’ repressive approach toward free and independent voices and constitutes a flagrant violation of international human rights conventions.

SANAD Human Rights Organization strongly condemns the ongoing detention of Naif Al-Sahafi and reiterates its call for his immediate release, along with all prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia. SANAD further urges the international community and human rights organizations to assume their responsibilities in pressuring Saudi authorities to end these violations and ensure the rights and freedoms of detainees.