Release of Israa Al-Ghamgham After Nearly 11 Years of Arbitrary Detention

According to human rights sources, Saudi authorities have released human rights activist Israa Al-Ghamgham after nearly 11 years of arbitrary detention since December 2015, following her participation in peaceful protests in Qatif and her human rights activities.

In August 2018, the Saudi Public Prosecutor sought the death penalty against her, but withdrew the request in January 2019 amid international pressure. On 10 February 2021, the court sentenced her to eight years in prison, before the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 13 years in mid-2022.

Israa, who lived in Qatif, is the wife of detainee Musa Al-Hashem, who was arrested alongside her on the same charges and remains detained. She documented and participated in peaceful protests in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in 2011 and 2012 calling for an end to discrimination. She was later arrested and transferred to the General Investigation Prison in Dammam, where she remained until her release.

SANAD Human Rights Organization welcomes Israa Al-Ghamgham’s release and calls on the Saudi authorities to immediately release her husband, Musa Al-Hashem, and all prisoners of conscience, and to end the policy of arbitrary detention targeting activists and those exercising their right to freedom of expression.