Dr. Salem Al-Dini Enters His Tenth Year Behind Bars as SANAD Renews Call for His Release

Saudi academic Dr. Salem Al-Dini has entered his tenth year behind bars after completing nine years in detention since his arrest on 12 September 2017, just days after he was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Labor.

Since his arrest, Al-Dini has faced a series of human rights violations, including prolonged solitary confinement, lengthy arbitrary detention without being brought before a court, as well as restrictions imposed on his family members, including travel bans.

The Public Prosecution also brought several charges against him, including financing entities outside Saudi Arabia and criticizing the ruling authorities. SANAD Human Rights Organization considers these charges vague and lacking a legal basis that would justify his continued detention for years.

Dr. Salem Al-Dini is a prominent academic and social figure in Saudi Arabia. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University in the United States and worked as a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

He also holds a diploma in counseling using cognitive behavioral therapy and has made extensive contributions to volunteer work, including helping establish and train several charitable and civil society organizations. He has also been active in youth development through lectures and training courses.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Salem Al-Dini and end his suffering, which has continued since 2017, stressing that his continued detention constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights.

SANAD also calls for fair compensation and appropriate redress for the harm he has suffered as a result of years of detention and violations, and for those responsible to be held accountable in accordance with relevant legal and human rights standards.