Six Years Since the Arrest of Nubian Activist Mohamed Fathallah Shater in Saudi Arabia

These days mark the sixth anniversary of the arrest of Nubian activist Mohamed Fathallah Shater, who was detained by Saudi authorities on 14 July 2020 after General Investigation officers raided his home. His arrest was linked to his participation in organizing a peaceful cultural event commemorating the October 1973 War.

Since his arrest, Shater has been subjected to a series of serious human rights violations, including two months of enforced disappearance and denial of contact with his family or access to legal counsel. On 10 October 2022, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced him to 18 years in prison on charges related to the exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association. According to human rights sources, the sentence was reduced to nine years on 6 September 2025.

Mohamed Fathallah Shater is one of ten Egyptian citizens of Nubian origin arrested by Saudi authorities in July 2020 for participating in the organization of the peaceful cultural event commemorating the October War. The Specialized Criminal Court handed them harsh prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, although some of these sentences have recently been reduced. They nevertheless remain detained despite the peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization expresses its deep concern over the continued detention of Mohamed Fathallah Shater, emphasizing that his arrest and prosecution stem solely from his peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and community participation. The organization reiterates its call for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of all Nubian activists detained in Saudi Arabia in connection with their peaceful cultural activities, while ensuring that they enjoy all their legal and human rights in accordance with international human rights standards.