Nine Years After His Arrest, Dr. Mohammed Mousa Al-Sharif Remains Behind Bars
Today, 11 September 2026, marks nine years since Saudi authorities arrested Dr. Mohammed Mousa Al-Sharif on 11 September 2017, as part of a crackdown targeting a number of Islamic preachers, intellectuals, activists, and influential figures.
Al-Sharif is serving a 13-year prison sentence. In April 2021, the court initially sentenced him to 10 years in prison before the Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 13 years in December of the same year.
According to information available to SANAD Human Rights Organization, security forces raided Al-Sharif’s home at night when he was arrested. He was subjected to ill-treatment and subsequently enforced disappearance for a period of time. He was also denied contact with his family and access to a lawyer.
His first secret court hearing was held on 5 September 2018, after the Public Prosecution brought 20 charges against him, including “participating in relief work inside and outside the Kingdom” and “undermining the security of the Kingdom.” Another hearing was held in February 2020, after which information about him was cut off for a period. He later appeared at a hearing in December that year in visibly poor health.
On 15 April 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. On 3 December 2021, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to 13 years.
During his detention at Dhahban Prison, Al-Sharif has faced violations including denial of family contact and access to a lawyer, delays in his trial proceedings, and medical neglect.
In September 2023, Al-Sharif underwent surgery to remove a hernia. According to human rights sources, prison authorities removed his bed from his cell following the operation, forcing him to sleep on the floor despite his need for medical care. He was also denied water for a prolonged period.
SANAD Human Rights Organization calls on Saudi authorities to immediately release Dr. Mohammed Mousa Al-Sharif, end the violations against him, ensure his access to healthcare and communication with his family, and release all prisoners of conscience in the Kingdom.
