Ninth Anniversary of Dr. Ali bin Hamza Al-Omari’s Arrest Amid the Public Prosecution’s Demand for His Execution
These days mark the ninth anniversary of the arrest of Saudi academic and intellectual Dr. Ali bin Hamza Al-Omari, who was detained on 9 September 2017. He has now spent nine years behind bars, while the Public Prosecution continues to seek the death penalty against him over charges related to his peaceful activities, views, and positions.
Authorities arrested Al-Omari after midnight at the hotel where he was staying in Riyadh, as part of a widespread crackdown in September 2017 targeting a number of academics, intellectuals, Islamic preachers, and influential figures. He was subsequently transferred to Al-Ha’ir Prison in Riyadh.
According to information documented by SANAD Human Rights Organization, Al-Omari has been subjected to serious violations since his arrest, including solitary confinement, denial of contact with his family and access to a lawyer, as well as physical torture and ill-treatment.
Information available to SANAD indicates that Al-Omari was subjected to beatings and electric shocks, resulting in injuries, wounds, and burns, as part of efforts to force him to make confessions concerning the charges against him. During one of his court hearings, Al-Omari told the judge that the confessions attributed to him had been extracted under torture and showed injuries on his body, stressing that the statements he had made during interrogation were not true.
Nearly one year and eight months after his arrest, Al-Omari’s trial proceedings began. He faced charges including communicating with foreign entities, inciting public opinion, and forming a terrorist cell, while the Public Prosecution sought the death penalty.
According to SANAD’s documentation, his case involved several secret court hearings, while judicial proceedings were repeatedly suspended and delayed for prolonged periods. Restrictions on his communication with his family were also reimposed.
In addition to the violations surrounding his arrest and trial, Dr. Ali Al-Omari is suffering from deteriorating health and chronic illnesses that have reportedly worsened due to detention conditions, medical neglect, and the torture he endured.
SANAD Human Rights Organization expresses grave concern over his continued detention, the torture, ill-treatment, and medical neglect he has suffered, and the continuing threat of the death penalty.
SANAD renews its call on Saudi authorities to release Dr. Ali Al-Omari immediately and unconditionally, drop charges related to the peaceful exercise of his rights, urgently provide him with appropriate medical care, and ensure regular contact with his family and lawyer.
The organization also calls on the international community and relevant UN human rights bodies to continue pressing for Al-Omari’s protection from the death penalty and to ensure respect for his fundamental rights after nine full years in detention.
