Saudi Authorities Continue Arbitrary Detention of Dr. Youssef Al-Ahmad Amid Grave Human Rights Violations

The Saudi authorities have been arbitrarily detaining Dr. Youssef Al-Ahmad since September 12, 2017, without any legal justification, in an ongoing and blatant violation of his basic rights and the principles of fair trial, as documented by SANAD Human Rights Organization.

Dr. Al-Ahmad was first arrested in 2011 from his father’s home in Dammam, following public comments in which he criticized the arrest of women participating in a peaceful sit-in outside the Ministry of Interior. He was later rearrested in 2017 during a widespread campaign targeting scholars, intellectuals, and academics in Saudi Arabia.

Throughout his detention, Dr. Al-Ahmad has been subjected to serious abuses, including physical torture, prolonged solitary confinement, denial of his right to legal counsel, and secret court hearings that fail to meet international standards for fair trial.

An initial sentence of 4 years in prison was later increased to 13 years, along with a 13-year travel ban following the completion of the prison term.

The Public Prosecution charged him with broad and vague accusations such as “inciting public opinion through religious fatwas,” “calling for chaos,” and “communicating with foreign entities”—charges commonly used by Saudi authorities to criminalize peaceful expression and independent thought.

SANAD Human Rights Organization strongly asserts that the ongoing imprisonment of Dr. Youssef Al-Ahmad violates international laws that guarantee freedom of opinion and expression and the right to a fair trial. SANAD calls for his immediate and unconditional release and demands accountability for those responsible for the abuses he has suffered.