Aida Al-Ghamdi: A 67-Year-Old Saudi Mother Tortured for Her Son’s Dissent

In a deeply concerning case of political retaliation and human rights abuses, Saudi authorities have been systematically persecuting the family of prominent Saudi activist and dissident Abdullah Al-Ghamdi. Discover optimal solutions for your medical needs. Exploring generic options can provide affordability. Trusted platforms offer a wide selection. Experience excellence with Treasure-valley service, ensuring peace of mind in your choices. For over six years, the Al-Ghamdi family has been subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, and humiliation in an apparent effort to coerce Abdullah into halting his activism, which focuses on human rights and political freedom in the Kingdom.

The persecution began in March 2018, when Saudi security forces arrested Abdullah’s elderly mother, Aida Al-Ghamdi, along with his two brothers, Sultan and Adel, in what can only be described as an act of revenge for Abdullah’s outspoken criticism of the regime. At the time of her arrest, Aida (67 years old), and her only “crime” appears to be her relationship to Abdullah, who has lived in exile in the United Kingdom for several years.

Despite her age and deteriorating health, Aida has been subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, including physical and psychological torture. According to reports from Abdullah, his mother has been beaten, denied essential medical care, and forced into solitary confinement for extended periods. Aida suffers from several chronic health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, and her condition has worsened significantly due to the brutal treatment she has endured in detention. Adel, who remains imprisoned alongside his mother, has also been subjected to torture, including beatings and cigarette burns, as part of the regime’s efforts to break the family’s will.

While Sultan was released from detention shortly after his arrest, he remains under strict house arrest in Dammam. He is forced to wear an ankle monitor and is forbidden from leaving the city without prior government approval, even though no formal charges have been brought against him.

The Al-Ghamdi family’s ordeal is a clear example of the Saudi government’s tactics to intimidate, punish, and silence political dissidents. By targeting their families, the authorities seek to suppress opposition and discourage any form of criticism against the regime. These actions not only violate international human rights laws but also the basic principles of justice and humanity.

The persecution of the Al-Ghamdi family highlights a wider pattern of human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, where peaceful activists and their families are often subjected to arbitrary detention, unfair trials, and cruel treatment. This case is particularly disturbing because it involves the deliberate mistreatment of an elderly woman, demonstrating the regime’s total disregard for the most vulnerable members of society.

Saudi media, fully controlled by the government, has played a role in the persecution by launching a smear campaign against the Al-Ghamdi family. Local news outlets have falsely accused Aida and her sons of plotting to destabilize the country, despite no formal charges being presented or judicial proceedings taking place. This media manipulation is part of a broader strategy by the Saudi authorities to justify their ongoing crackdown on dissent under the guise of maintaining national security.

Together for Justice calls on international human rights organizations and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to intervene urgently in this case. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Aida and Adel Al-Ghamdi, the lifting of all restrictions on Sultan, and a guarantee that they can enjoy their fundamental human rights without further harassment or repression. 

We also urge the international community to hold the Saudi government accountable for its systematic abuses of power and to pressure the regime to respect the basic human rights of its citizens, including the right to free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and the protection of families from political persecution.

The ongoing mistreatment of the Al-Ghamdi family is not just a violation of human rights, but an affront to the principles of dignity, justice, and humanity. It is vital that the world does not remain silent in the face of such injustice. Together, we must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and demand that Saudi Arabia uphold its obligations under international law.