For the Sixth Consecutive Year… Continued Detention of Adel Faqir, Head of the Nubian Community in Riyadh, Despite Being 68 Years Old

Saudi authorities continue to detain Adel Faqir, head of the Nubian community in Riyadh, aged 68, for more than four years since his arrest on 14 July 2020, following a raid on his home by forces believed to be affiliated with the Presidency of State Security. His arrest came in connection with preparations for a cultural event at the Nubian Association’s headquarters in the capital, Riyadh.

Throughout his detention, Faqir has been subjected to a series of serious violations, including arbitrary arrest, a period of enforced disappearance, denial of regular communication with his family, and deprivation of his right to appoint a lawyer and defend himself. He was also held for more than a year without trial.

After prolonged judicial proceedings, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced him in October 2022 to 14 years in prison for his peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of assembly and association. On 6 September 2025, the court reduced the sentence to eight years.

Adel Faqir is one of ten Egyptian Nubian detainees arrested by Saudi authorities in July 2020 over the organization of a peaceful cultural event. The Specialized Criminal Court handed down harsh sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, later reduced for some, yet their detention continues despite the entirely peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to immediately release Adel Faqir, provide compensation for the harm he has suffered, and release all Nubian detainees as well as all prisoners of conscience, both men and women.