Family of Yemeni-Dutch Citizen Fahd Ramadan Detained in Saudi Arabia Calls for His Release, Asserting Charges are Fabricated

In a statement to Agence France-Presse, his 19-year-old son Abdullah Ramadan expressed the difficulty of the situation following his father’s arrest, saying, “The situation is extremely difficult. I have younger siblings and a mother who does not speak Dutch, and I have to take care of them all.” Abdullah mentioned that his father, Fahd Ramadan, had traveled to Saudi Arabia to obtain a copy of his birth certificate to complete the procedures for obtaining Dutch citizenship. He had planned to stay for only one week.

The Ramadan family asserts that the messages that appeared on the X platform, alleging that Ramadan criticized Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and used an offensive nickname for him, were fabricated by another Yemeni person living in the Netherlands who had a personal dispute with Ramadan. The case has not reached the trial stage, and the family has not received any official updates regarding Ramadan’s status.

Amnesty International indicated that Ramadan was allowed to make a short phone call to his wife but was not permitted to inform her of his whereabouts. Abdullah added that his father calls home once a week, describing harsh detention conditions and the worsening symptoms of his diabetes.

Fahd Ramadan was arrested on November 20, 2023, due to leaked WhatsApp messages allegedly criticizing the Saudi Crown Prince, an accusation the Ramadan family denies, insisting the messages are fabricated.

SANAD Organisation for Human Rights, is calling on Saudi authorities to release Fahd Ramadan immediately. They also urge the international community and human rights organizations to pressure Saudi authorities to ensure the immediate release of Fahd Ramadan and to guarantee his legal and human rights.