Sanad Organization: Dr. Sami Al-Waked Still Forcibly Disappeared Since His Arrest in February

Since the arrest of Dr. Sami Saleh Al-Waked Al-Otaibi at the end of February, there has been no public activity or confirmed news regarding his release or legal status. Sanad Organization has not received any updates clarifying his situation. Dr. Al-Waked, a professor of Creed at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, was arrested by Saudi authorities along with several of his students, without any formal charges or known legal proceedings.

Sanad considers this case part of a systematic pattern by Saudi authorities to suppress academics and intellectuals, and to silence independent voices within religious and academic institutions. It reflects a broader context of repression against individuals expressing their views, despite official efforts to promote an image of openness and reform.

While the Saudi authorities have announced a limited number of releases, these are often conditional and accompanied by harsh restrictions, including travel bans, prohibition of media appearances, and bans on speaking about violations—along with threats of re-arrest in case of noncompliance.

Sanad Human Rights Organization calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Sami Al-Waked and all prisoners of conscience, and urges international human rights bodies to pressure the Saudi government to respect human rights and ensure justice and transparency in all legal proceedings.