A Decade Since the Arrest of Israa Al-Ghamgam… SANAD Calls for Her Immediate Release

These days mark the tenth anniversary of the arrest of Saudi human rights activist Israa Al-Ghamgam, who was detained on December 6, 2015, for participating in peaceful protests in Qatif and for engaging in activities related to freedom of expression and human rights advocacy. Throughout her years in detention, Al-Ghamgam has been subjected to severe violations, including physical torture and enforced disappearance.

In August 2018, the Saudi Public Prosecution sought the death penalty against her, but authorities withdrew the request in January 2019 following widespread international pressure. On February 10, 2021, the court sentenced her to eight years in prison, but in mid-2022, the Court of Appeals increased the sentence to thirteen years, despite her original sentence nearing completion.

Israa Al-Ghamgam lived in Qatif and was married to Mousa Al-Hashim, who was arrested alongside her on the same charges and remains in detention to this day. She documented and participated in the peaceful demonstrations that took place in the Eastern Province in 2011 and 2012, which called for an end to discrimination. She was then arrested and transferred to the General Intelligence Prison in Dammam, where she remains detained.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls for the immediate release of Israa Al-Ghamgam and her husband, Mousa Al-Hashim, and for providing them with full compensation. The organization reiterates its call for the release of all prisoners of conscience, and for ensuring that such violations are never repeated.