After 9 Years in Detention, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Faris, 69, Remains Behind Bars Despite Completing His Sentence

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Faris has completed nine years behind bars since his arbitrary arrest on 11 September 2017, entering his tenth year in prison despite completing his sentence in September 2023.

In September 2020, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced Al-Faris to three years in prison, more than three years after his arrest without legal basis. Upon completing his sentence, he should have been released immediately and unconditionally, yet Saudi authorities continue to arbitrarily detain him to this day.

At 69, Dr. Al-Faris is among the elderly prisoners of conscience enduring harsh conditions in Saudi prisons amid a policy of systematic medical neglect that has led to the deaths of several detainees, including Dr. Qasim Al-Qathrdi, who died in prison several months ago.

SANAD Human Rights Organization states that the continued detention of Dr. Ibrahim Al-Faris after the completion of his sentence constitutes a compounded violation and holds the Saudi authorities fully responsible for his physical and psychological well-being. SANAD renews its call for his immediate and unconditional release, along with that of all prisoners of conscience, and urges the authorities to respect their legal and humanitarian obligations.