Despite Serving His Second Sentence, Saudi Authorities Continue to Detain Suleiman Al-Alwan After Over Two Decades Behind Bars

Saudi authorities continue to arbitrarily detain Suleiman Al-Alwan, despite the completion of his second prison sentence, after spending more than 20 years behind bars. He was first arrested in 2004, released briefly in 2012, and then re-arrested in 2013, remaining imprisoned to this day.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a 10-year travel ban on charges including “disagreeing with the views of the Senior Scholars Council”. Later, an additional 4 years were added, bringing the total sentence to 19 years. Despite fully serving this sentence, he remains held in Al-Tarfiya Prison in Buraidah.

During his imprisonment, Al-Alwan suffered serious abuses, including prolonged solitary confinement, physical torture, and sleep deprivation, which at times caused him to lose consciousness. He also suffers from chronic illnesses and a slipped disc in his lower back.

With Sheikh Al-Alwan now approaching the age of 60, having spent more than two-thirds of his recent life in prison, Sanad Human Rights Organization condemns the authorities’ insistence on his continued detention, calling it a flagrant violation of both domestic laws and international conventions. Sanad urges his immediate and unconditional release, along with the lifting of all restrictions on his freedom.