Nubian Activist Abdullah Gomaa Ali Detained Since July 2020 Over a Peaceful Cultural Event in Riyadh

Saudi authorities continue to detain Egyptian Nubian activist Abdullah Gomaa Ali, one of several Egyptian nationals arrested in July 2020 following the organization of a peaceful cultural event in Riyadh.

Abdullah was arrested on 14 July 2020, after his home was raided by individuals believed to be linked to the General Investigation Directorate under the Presidency of State Security. He was charged with spreading false and malicious rumors on social media, establishing an unlicensed association, and supporting a terrorist group, even though his arrest stemmed primarily from a peaceful cultural gathering.

He was tried before the Specialized Criminal Court, which sentenced him on 10 October 2022 to 10 years in prison. On 6 September 2025, the court unexpectedly reduced his sentence to seven years, yet he remains detained to this day.

During his detention, Abdullah was subjected to two months of enforced disappearance, held in complete isolation and denied access to lawyers or family contact. He was also deprived of his right to legal representation and an effective defense, in clear violation of international human rights law.

Abdullah Gomaa Ali is one of ten Egyptian Nubian detainees arrested by Saudi authorities in July 2020 for organizing a peaceful cultural event. The Specialized Criminal Court issued harsh sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, later reduced for some, yet all remain imprisoned despite the entirely peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization affirms that the continued detention of Abdullah Gomaa Ali constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights, and urges Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him and all detained Egyptian Nubians.