Release of Writer Abdullah Al-Maliki After Seven Years of Arbitrary Detention

Saudi authorities have released reformist writer Abdullah Al-Maliki after seven years behind bars. His sentence ended last September, following his arrest in September 2017 as part of a broad crackdown targeting reformist voices in human rights and cultural spheres. Al-Maliki was detained for his support of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) members and his public opposition to normalization policies.

In September 2020, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced Al-Maliki to seven years, accusing him of “inciting public opinion” and supporting human rights, as well as possessing unauthorized books.

Abdullah Al-Maliki is a committed reformist and human rights advocate known for his opposition to racism and extremism, along with his repeated calls for comprehensive political, social, and cultural reform. He has stood firmly by his positions, despite threats and ongoing pressures.

At Sanad Human Rights Organization, we congratulate Abdullah Al-Maliki and his family on his release after prolonged unjust detention. We reaffirm our continuous demand for the release of all prisoners of conscience and human rights activists in Saudi Arabia and an end to all forms of arbitrary detention against them.