Six Years Since the Arrest of Riyadh Nubian Community Leader Adel Faqir

Adel Faqir (69), head of the Nubian community in Riyadh, has completed six years behind bars since his arrest on 14 July 2020, following a raid on his home by forces believed to be affiliated with the Saudi State Security Presidency. He was detained over his role in organizing a peaceful cultural event at the Nubian Association in Riyadh.

During his detention, Faqir has reportedly been subjected to arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, prolonged denial of contact with his family, deprivation of legal representation, and more than a year of detention without trial.

In October 2022, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced him to 14 years in prison for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of assembly and association. His sentence was reduced to eight years on 6 September 2025.

Adel Faqir is one of ten Egyptian Nubians arrested in July 2020 over the same peaceful cultural event. They received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, some of which were later reduced, yet they all remain detained despite the peaceful nature of their activities.

SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Adel Faqir, provide redress for his arbitrary detention, and free all detained Nubian activists and prisoners of conscience.