Saudi Authorities Release Economist Dr. Hamza Al-Salem

SANAD has learned that Saudi authorities released economist Dr. Hamza Al-Salem several months ago. However, he remains under a travel ban. Dr. Al-Salem was arrested in November 2020 due to his criticism of Vision 2030.

Dr. Al-Salem is one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent economists and a columnist in several local newspapers. He is also an author of numerous works in the field of economics. Dr. Al-Salem paid a heavy price for his reformist calls and efforts to improve the country’s state and end corruption, enduring over four years of detention without trial or disclosure of his conditions or health status.

SANAD congratulates Dr. Hamza Al-Salem and his family on his release and emphasizes that this step does not absolve Saudi authorities of their responsibility for the violations he endured. The organization calls for appropriate and immediate compensation for Dr. Al-Salem and urges the authorities to release all arbitrarily detained prisoners of conscience unconditionally, ensuring such violations do not recur in the future.