Saudi Arabia Continues to Detain Nubian Journalist Wael Ishaq Since 2020… SANAD Calls for His Immediate Release

Saudi authorities continue to detain Egyptian Nubian journalist Wael Ahmed Hassan Ishaq since 14 July 2020, after his home was raided by individuals believed to be affiliated with the Presidency of State Security. His arrest came in connection with organizing a peaceful event in Riyadh commemorating the October 1973 War.

Ishaq, 57 years old, had lived in Saudi Arabia for many years prior to his arrest more than five years ago. He was actively involved in Nubian community initiatives, only to be detained later for peacefully exercising his rights to expression and assembly.

Human rights sources report that Ishaq has been subjected to multiple violations since the moment of his arrest, including two months of enforced disappearance, being denied contact with his family, and extended periods without the right to appoint a lawyer. He is held in Abha Prison in the Asir region, under conditions that violate basic standards of justice.

Ishaq stood before the Specialized Criminal Court, which charged him with “spreading rumors on social media,” “establishing an unlicensed association,” and “supporting a terrorist group.” He was sentenced to ten years in prison on 10 October 2022, before the sentence was reduced to seven years on 6 September 2025.

Ishaq is one of ten Egyptian Nubian detainees arrested in July 2020 for organizing a peaceful cultural event. The Specialized Criminal Court issued harsh sentences against them ranging from 10 to 18 years, later reduced for some, yet all remain detained despite the entirely peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Wael Ishaq, to ensure that all his legal and human rights are upheld, and to provide him with appropriate compensation.