Saudi Authorities Continue Arbitrary Detention of Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar Since September 2017 Crackdown

Saudi authorities continue to arbitrarily detain academic Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar, who was arrested during the September 2017 crackdown that targeted prominent scholars and intellectuals across the country.

Despite more than seven years behind bars, Dr. Al-Shannar’s case remains unresolved, with no final court ruling, highlighting the Saudi government’s pattern of prolonged detention without fair trial for prisoners of conscience.

According to documentation by Sanad Human Rights Organization, Dr. Al-Shannar has appeared before the court only twice since his arrest, the first time in September 2018—a full year after his detention. Since then, no further updates on hearings or rulings have been reported.

Inside prison, Dr. Al-Shannar has faced serious human rights violations, including being denied family visits for months, refused legal representation, and neglected medical care—amounting to deliberate medical negligence.

Sanad affirms that the continued detention of Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar is a clear violation of international human rights standards, and calls on the Saudi authorities to immediately release him and end the practice of arbitrary detention targeting academics and opinion holders.