Sixth Anniversary of Egyptian Journalist Wael Ishaq’s Arrest After Participating in a Peaceful Cultural Event

These days mark the sixth anniversary of the arrest of Egyptian Nubian journalist Wael Ahmed Hassan Ishaq, who was detained on July 14, 2020, after his home was raided by individuals believed to be affiliated with the Presidency of State Security, over his role in organizing a peaceful event in Riyadh commemorating the 1973 October War.

Ishaq, 58, had lived in Saudi Arabia for many years and was active within the Nubian community there. He was later arrested for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Rights sources reported that Ishaq has faced several violations since his arrest, including enforced disappearance for two months, prolonged denial of contact with his family and access to a lawyer, and detention in Abha Prison in Asir under conditions that violate standards of justice.

He later appeared before the Specialized Criminal Court on charges including “spreading rumors on social media,” “establishing an unlicensed association,” and “supporting a terrorist group.” He was sentenced to ten years in prison on October 10, 2022, before the sentence was reduced to seven years on September 6, 2025.

Wael Ahmed Hassan Ishaq is one of ten Egyptian Nubian detainees arrested by Saudi authorities in July 2020 over a peaceful cultural event. The Specialized Criminal Court issued harsh sentences against them ranging from 10 to 18 years, before some were recently reduced, while they remain detained despite the peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Wael Ishaq, guarantee all his legal and human rights, and provide him with appropriate compensation.