Release of Dr. Khaled Al-owda After Nearly 8 Years of Detention

According to human rights and media sources, Saudi authorities have released Dr. Khaled Al-owda after nearly eight years of arbitrary detention that began in September 2017, following a tweet in which he announced the arrest of his brother, Dr. Salman Al-owda.

The same sources revealed that authorities have placed an electronic tracking device on Dr. Khaled’s ankle—an oppressive measure reflecting the ongoing policy of repression and surveillance against released detainees. This comes in addition to a travel ban and systematic denial of civil rights.

While Sanad Rights Foundation welcomes the release of Dr. Khaled Al-Awda, it stresses that his prolonged detention without any legal basis constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights and freedom of expression.

Sanad extends its congratulations to Dr. Khaled and his family on his release, and urges the Saudi authorities to immediately lift all arbitrary restrictions imposed on him and fully restore his civil and human rights. The organization also renews its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience in the Kingdom.