Despite completing his sentence, Saudi authorities continue to detain Dr. Yousef Al-Qassem

Dr. Yousef Al-Qassem has been held since his arrest in September 2017, following a nighttime raid on his private farm in the outskirts of Riyadh without any clear legal justification. Despite his sentence ending more than two years ago, the authorities insist on keeping him imprisoned, in blatant violation of Saudi law, which mandates the immediate release of detainees after serving their sentences.

During his detention at Al-Ha’ir Prison in Riyadh, Dr. Al-Qassem has suffered repeated violations, including solitary confinement, denial of family contact, and being prevented from appointing a lawyer. After more than a year of delays, his secret trial began at the Specialized Criminal Court in November 2018, and in September 2020, he was sentenced to five years in prison, a term that expired more than two years ago. Yet, the authorities continue to hold him without any legal justification.

The Sanad human rights organization condemns the ongoing detention of Dr. Yousef Al-Qassem and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. The organization emphasizes that this action reflects a systematic approach by Saudi authorities in dealing with prisoners of conscience and constitutes a clear violation of both national and international laws guaranteeing individuals’ rights to freedom and a fair trial.