Over 2800 Days Since Writer Tarad Al-Omar’s Arrest, Authorities Refuse to Clarify His Legal Status

Nearly seven and a half years ago, Saudi authorities arbitrarily arrested writer and critic Tarad Al-Omar. To this day, no charges have been officially announced, and his legal status remains unresolved. Sources close to his family suggest that his opposition to Saudi intervention in Yemen and his defense of detainees’ rights are the real reasons behind his arrest.
Al-Omar was arrested in November 2016, and since then, authorities have refused to officially disclose the charges against him. They also deny his family and any legal team access to his case file or arrest warrant, blatantly violating his basic human and legal rights.
Tarad Al-Omar is known for his bold discussions on topics that many fear to address publicly due to the regime’s repression. From day one, he criticised Saudi intervention in the Yemen war, which led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. He also consistently defended detainees, exposing the brutal violations they suffer in detention. Additionally, he was a prominent advocate for retirees’ rights and criticised the widespread unemployment in society.
Al-Omar’s “crime” is his commitment to freely expressing his opinion, a right guaranteed to everyone under international laws and constitutions, as long as it remains peaceful. However, Saudi authorities consider the demand for this right or its exercise a punishable offense, often resulting in long-term imprisonment or even execution.
“Together for Justice” calls on global decision-makers to intervene and pressure Saudi authorities to release writer Tarad Al-Omar and all other prisoners of conscience. The continued detention of some poses a severe threat to their lives due to mistreatment and deliberate medical neglect.