Egyptian Activist Ali Gomaa’s Sentence Ends Without Release — SANAD Calls for His Immediate Freedom

Despite the completion of his prison sentence in July 2025, Egyptian activist Ali Gomaa Ali Bahar remains unlawfully detained by Saudi authorities.
Ali Gomaa, an Egyptian of Nubian origin who has lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, was arrested on July 14, 2020, after his home in Riyadh was raided by security forces, over his role in organizing a peaceful cultural event to commemorate the October 1973 War.

According to human rights sources, he was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison, later reduced in September 2025 to 5 years. However, authorities have failed to release him despite the expiry of his sentence.

Ali Gomaa is among ten Egyptian Nubians arrested in July 2020 for organizing a similar peaceful cultural event. The Specialized Criminal Court issued harsh sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, later reduced for some, though all remain in detention despite the non-political nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization condemns the continued detention of Ali Gomaa beyond his legal sentence, calling it a blatant violation of justice and human rights. The organization urges Saudi authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally, along with all other detained Nubian activists held for their peaceful cultural and social activities.