The Ninth Year Behind Bars: Continued Detention of Saudi Academic Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar

Saudi academic Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar has entered his ninth year behind bars, following eight years of arbitrary detention since the September 2017 crackdown, which targeted numerous scholars and intellectuals across the Kingdom.

According to documentation by SANAD, Dr. Al-Shannar has been brought before court only twice since his arrest, the first time a full year later in September 2018. Since then, no further hearings have been held, and no ruling has been issued against him, based on the information available to SANAD.

While in prison, Dr. Al-Shannar has endured severe violations, including being denied family visits for months, being prevented from appointing a lawyer, and suffering from deliberate medical neglect.

In this context, SANAD calls on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannar, provide him with appropriate compensation, and free all prisoners of conscience, men and women alike.