Sanad Organization Calls for Urgent Action to Save Elderly Prisoners of Conscience After the Death of Dr. Al-Qathrady in Saudi Detention
Sanad Human Rights Organization issued an urgent statement calling for immediate action to save elderly prisoners of conscience in Saudi prisons, following the recent death of Dr. Qassim Al-Qathrady under mysterious circumstances. The statement highlights a disturbing lack of transparency and Saudi authorities’ ongoing disregard for the suffering of elderly detainees.
Dr. Al-Qathrady, a retired academic in his seventies, was arbitrarily detained in July 2021 for participating in a licensed intellectual gathering and possessing publicly available books. He was later sentenced to eight years in prison and an additional eight-year travel ban based on vague and unjustified charges.
Sanad confirmed that Al-Qathrady suffered from chronic illnesses and deteriorating health. Despite requesting release on bail due to his age and health conditions, the court rejected his plea. He ultimately died due to deliberate medical neglect—mirroring the tragic cases of other prominent detainees such as Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamid, Dr. Musa Al-Qarni, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Amari.
The organization emphasized that its verified reports show dozens of elderly detainees remain behind bars in Saudi Arabia under harsh conditions and without adequate medical care—putting their lives at severe risk and necessitating urgent intervention.
Sanad called for the following:
An immediate and independent investigation into the circumstances of Dr. Al-Qathrady’s death and accountability for those responsible.
The urgent release of all elderly prisoners of conscience, particularly those with chronic illnesses or who have completed their sentences.
Full medical care for all detainees and an end to the use of medical neglect as a tool of repression.
A halt to arbitrary detention and respect for freedom of thought and expression as enshrined in international law.
Finally, Sanad urged the international community, human rights organizations, journalists, and activists to support this urgent cause, raise awareness about the suffering of elderly detainees, and press for their protection and release.
