Author: Publisher2026

Together for Justice calls for immediate intervention as Saudi Arabia intensifies its crackdown on free expression.

In a troubling new development, reports have confirmed that a new trial session for Saudi prisoners of conscience, Salma Al-Shehab and Noura Al-Qahtani, has been scheduled for Wednesday at 8 a.m.. Details of the new charges or case remain unclear, and both women are being denied their fundamental right to legal representation. This ongoing violation of their rights is yet another example of the systemic repression of free speech in Saudi Arabia.

Lack of Legal Representation and Ongoing Repression

Salma Al-Shehab and Noura Al-Qahtani have already been sentenced to long prison terms for expressing their opinions peacefully on social media—Salma is serving a 27-year sentence, while Noura faces 45 years. Both women have endured secret trials without legal defense, making this new court hearing even more concerning. The denial of legal representation violates international legal standards and further demonstrates the Saudi government’s disregard for basic human rights.

The timing of Salma and Noura’s convictions, just weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia, underscores the Saudi government’s sense of impunity. Biden, who had promised to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its human rights violations, appeared to reverse his stance following the trip, prioritizing economic interests over the rights of Saudi citizens.

International Calls for Release Ignored

In July 2023, the United Nations issued a report calling for the immediate release of Salma and Noura, highlighting their unjust imprisonment, poor treatment, and denial of rights. However, Saudi authorities have consistently rejected these calls and have denied all allegations of human rights abuses, falsely claiming that their judicial processes are fair.

The upcoming trial could result in additional unjust charges or harsher treatment, adding to the years of suffering these women have already endured. With the Saudi government’s history of targeting women’s rights advocates, intellectuals, and reformists, the international community must act now to prevent further abuses.

Call for International Action

Together for Justice strongly condemns the continued persecution of Salma Al-Shehab and Noura Al-Qahtani. We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and governments to intervene and demand their immediate release. The denial of legal representation and the secretive nature of their trials violate their fundamental human rights and international legal standards.

Salma and Noura’s cases are emblematic of the broader repression in Saudi Arabia, where expressing an opinion can lead to decades in prison. We call on the international community to pressure Saudi authorities to release these women and all prisoners of conscience.

The international community must halt all forms of cooperation with the Saudi regime until it demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving human rights, ensuring the fair treatment of detainees, and respecting free speech. The cases of Salma Al-Shehab and Noura Al-Qahtani are just the beginning—many more prisoners of conscience remain detained in Saudi Arabia’s prisons, their stories hidden due to the regime’s tight control over information.

Together for Justice calls for immediate and unconditional intervention to ensure the protection of human rights in Saudi Arabia.

The fight for justice, dignity, and freedom for all continues.

Together for Justice calls for his immediate release and an end to arbitrary detentions in Saudi Arabia.

In a stark example of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing crackdown on intellectuals, academics, and peaceful dissidents, Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif, a well-known Islamic scholar, preacher, and former pilot, remains imprisoned under harsh conditions. His sentence, initially set at five years, was shockingly increased to 13 years by the Saudi Court of Appeal in January 2023, following a secretive and unjust trial process.
Dr. Al-Sharif’s arrest took place in September 2017, as part of a sweeping campaign targeting hundreds of clerics, journalists, and intellectuals. The wave of arrests came shortly after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rose to power, marking a period of intensified repression against individuals who advocated for reform, expressed independent views, or engaged in humanitarian work.

The Saudi Specialized Criminal Court charged Dr. Al-Sharif with over 20 accusations, including the broad and vague charge of “destabilizing the security of the kingdom.” He was also accused of “participating in relief efforts inside and outside the country,” a humanitarian activity that should be celebrated, not criminalized. These charges reflect the troubling trend in Saudi Arabia of using counterterrorism laws to silence peaceful voices under the guise of national security.

Secret Trials and Health Deterioration
Dr. Al-Sharif’s trials were conducted in secrecy, with no transparency or fair judicial procedures, depriving him of his fundamental rights to due process. Reports from those who have seen him during court hearings indicate that his health has deteriorated significantly. His face is often described as pale and marked by signs of exhaustion and illness, raising serious concerns about his well-being. Observers have noted that the academic is subjected to medical neglect, a common tactic used by Saudi authorities to pressure detainees.

The deliberate disregard for Dr. Al-Sharif’s health, along with his prolonged arbitrary detention, constitutes a severe violation of international human rights law. The United Nations and numerous human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Saudi Arabia’s use of secretive trials, unlawful detentions, and denial of basic rights to prisoners of conscience. Yet, the kingdom continues its repressive measures with little accountability from the international community.

A Scholar with a Legacy of Service
Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif is more than just a detainee; he is a scholar who has contributed significantly to Islamic studies, history, literature, and social thought. As a university professor and author, he has written extensively on topics such as Islamic teachings, the Prophet’s biography, and Arab history. His books and lectures have inspired millions of people across the Arab world, earning him a reputation as a moderate voice for Islamic education and social responsibility.

Beyond academia, Dr. Al-Sharif was actively involved in humanitarian efforts. His relief work, both within Saudi Arabia and abroad, showcased his commitment to helping those in need—an act now unjustly used as evidence of wrongdoing by the Saudi regime.

A Call for International Pressure
Together for Justice strongly condemns the continued imprisonment of Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif and the extension of his sentence. We call on the Saudi government to release him immediately and drop the baseless charges against him. His detention is part of a broader pattern of repression against intellectuals, clerics, and reformists in the kingdom, where dissent is punished with imprisonment and, in many cases, death.

The international community must not remain silent in the face of such grave violations of human rights. We urge world leaders, human rights organizations, and the UN to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to end its policy of arbitrary detention, ensure fair trials, and provide proper medical care to detainees like Dr. Al-Sharif. The protection of fundamental human rights must take precedence over geopolitical and economic interests.

As Saudi Arabia continues its attempts to reshape its image through high-profile international events and investments, the world must not forget those who languish in its prisons for speaking out or simply living according to their conscience. Dr. Al-Sharif’s case highlights the severe consequences of the kingdom’s authoritarian crackdown on freedom of expression and humanitarian work. Together for Justice stands with him and all those who have been unjustly detained.

Together for Justice calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif and an end to the arbitrary detention of peaceful scholars and activists in Saudi Arabia.

In 2017, Saudi cleric and law professor Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni was arrested during a wave of mass detentions ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crackdown, which targeted intellectuals, clerics, human rights advocates, and anyone critical of the Saudi regime, was part of the Crown Prince’s broader effort to consolidate power and stifle dissent. Among the accusations leveled against Al-Qarni are activities that, in most countries, would be protected under free speech laws: managing a Twitter account, participating in WhatsApp conversations, and sharing political opinions that the Saudi government deemed hostile.

The Charges Against Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni

The charges that Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni faces are directly related to his social media use and private conversations. According to documents shared by his son, Nasser Al-Qarni, with British media outlets, including The Guardian, Sheikh Al-Qarni is accused of “opposing the kingdom” by using social media to express views critical of Saudi policies. He stands accused of:

Managing a Twitter account under his real name, where he shared opinions deemed critical of the Saudi government.

Using WhatsApp to participate in private conversations where he shared videos praising the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization that Saudi Arabia classifies as a terrorist group.

Owning a Telegram account, also allegedly used to share anti-government messages.

These seemingly innocuous actions—tweeting, chatting, and sharing videos—are the basis of the charges that could lead to Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s execution. The Saudi Public Prosecutor is calling for the death penalty, claiming that his social media use and private communications amount to a form of rebellion against the state.

Confession Under Duress

Sheikh Al-Qarni’s so-called confession, obtained under questionable circumstances, reveals the flimsy basis of the charges against him. The documents indicate that Al-Qarni admitted to using Twitter and WhatsApp to share his views, but it’s unclear whether this confession was coerced or made voluntarily. Given the Saudi regime’s track record of using torture and pressure tactics during interrogations, there are serious concerns about the legitimacy of these admissions.

Nasser Al-Qarni, who fled Saudi Arabia due to threats against his own life, has been outspoken about his father’s case, using international media to shed light on the abuses taking place in the kingdom. According to Nasser, the charges are politically motivated, designed to silence his father and intimidate others who might dare to express critical views.

The Broader Crackdown on Social Media Users

Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case is far from unique. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has escalated its crackdown on social media users, activists, and even ordinary citizens who use platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram to express their opinions. The regime treats online dissent as a serious threat to its authority, punishing those who engage in it with lengthy prison sentences or, in extreme cases like Al-Qarni’s, death.

One of the most notable recent cases is that of Salma Al-Shehab, a PhD student at Leeds University and mother of two, who was sentenced to 34 years in prison for her Twitter activity. Al-Shehab’s crime? Following and retweeting posts from Saudi dissidents and activists. Similarly, Noura Al-Qahtani received a 45-year prison sentence for social media use that was deemed critical of the government.

These cases illustrate the Saudi regime’s zero-tolerance policy toward free speech. In a country where dissent is equated with treason, simply tweeting a critical opinion or sharing a video can result in life-altering consequences. For many, it can mean years in prison, or worse, a death sentence.

The Politicization of Saudi Courts

Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case also highlights the highly politicized nature of Saudi Arabia’s judicial system. Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rose to power, the country’s courts have been used as tools to legitimize the regime’s crackdown on dissent. Trials, particularly for political prisoners, are often held in secret, with defendants denied access to legal representation or the ability to defend themselves properly.

In Al-Qarni’s case, as with many others, the charges are vague and overreaching. The government accuses him of “opposing the kingdom,” a charge that encompasses a broad range of actions and opinions, including peaceful criticism. By framing dissent as a threat to national security, the Saudi regime justifies extreme measures, including the death penalty, against those who simply exercise their right to free speech.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s use of anti-terrorism laws to prosecute individuals like Al-Qarni and Al-Shehab is part of a broader strategy to silence any form of opposition. These laws are often applied arbitrarily, allowing the government to equate peaceful activism with terrorism. This conflation of legitimate dissent with violent extremism undermines the basic principles of justice and fairness.

International Outcry and the Call for Justice

The case of Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni has garnered significant attention from international human rights organizations, which have condemned the Saudi government’s actions. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other groups have called for the immediate release of Al-Qarni and other prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia. These organizations have also highlighted the regime’s pattern of using social media activity as a pretext for harsh punishments, including execution.

The international community has a critical role to play in holding the Saudi government accountable for its human rights abuses. Governments, particularly those with close ties to Saudi Arabia, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, must pressure the kingdom to respect freedom of speech and ensure that political prisoners like Al-Qarni receive fair trials.

Furthermore, global social media platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram must recognize their responsibility in protecting users’ rights to free expression. These platforms, while providing a space for discussion and activism, can also be used by authoritarian regimes to track and punish dissenters. Social media companies should work to ensure that their platforms are not weaponized by oppressive governments.

The Need for Action

Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against the Saudi regime. His potential execution for simply using social media highlights the extent to which freedom of expression is under assault in Saudi Arabia. As long as the international community remains silent, the Saudi government will continue to use its judiciary as a weapon against its own people.

It is crucial that human rights organizations, governments, and civil society groups continue to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to end its persecution of dissenters. Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni, like many others, deserves the right to express his opinions without fear of imprisonment or execution.

The world must act now, before it is too late for those who have already suffered at the hands of the Saudi regime.

In July 2021, Saudi security forces arrested Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hazemi, a well-respected academic and professor of Arabic language and literature at King Khalid University, during a late-night raid on his home in the southern city of Abha. The raid was part of an ongoing campaign by the Saudi authorities to silence dissenting voices, especially those calling for reform or expressing views that challenge the regime’s policies.

Al-Hazemi’s arrest was not just another case of political repression in Saudi Arabia—it highlighted the lengths to which the government is willing to go to suppress free speech and intimidate those who advocate for even modest reforms. His case is emblematic of a broader crackdown that has seen journalists, academics, human rights defenders, and social media users imprisoned or silenced.

The Arrest: A Violent Raid and Arbitrary Detention

On the night of his arrest, July 2021, 24 security officers stormed Al-Hazemi’s home, conducting a thorough and intrusive search. They ransacked the house, leaving it in disarray, while detaining Al-Hazemi and isolating him from his family. This dramatic arrest, carried out without any official charges or explanations, marked the beginning of Al-Hazemi’s years-long ordeal of arbitrary detention.

For years after his arrest, the Saudi authorities refused to disclose Al-Hazemi’s whereabouts, the reason for his detention, or the charges against him. This secrecy and lack of transparency reflect a disturbing trend in Saudi Arabia, where enforced disappearances and detentions without legal justification have become common.

The Charges: An Assault on Free Speech

It was not until much later that the charges against Al-Hazemi were revealed, and even then, they were as troubling as they were flimsy. Among the accusations leveled against him were:

Attending a seminar in 2013 titled “Freedom Between Slogans and Reality,” which had been officially sanctioned by authorities in Asir Province. Al-Hazemi’s attendance at this seminar, where academic discussions took place, was later used against him as evidence of dissent.

Posting tweets that criticized the Saudi government’s policies and called for the release of political prisoners. Al-Hazemi denied having control over the Twitter account that posted the tweets, explaining that the account did not align with his writing style and that he had deactivated his social media accounts years before his arrest.

Delivering Friday sermons that allegedly conflicted with the government’s position, though these sermons were given before the passage of Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism law and were not considered illegal at the time. Al-Hazemi had signed an official agreement with the provincial government to avoid repeating the sermons, and he continued in his role as a preacher for three more years without incident.

Possessing a book that had been available for over 40 years in public libraries, which was later deemed “banned” without any prior announcement. The vague nature of this accusation demonstrates how arbitrary the charges against Al-Hazemi were, as the list of banned books was not publicly available.

Supporting a banned organization and failing to report individuals with extremist ideologies. Al-Hazemi rejected this charge, arguing that no evidence was presented, and no specific individuals or organizations were mentioned by the prosecution.

These charges, based on tenuous evidence and sweeping accusations, demonstrate the Saudi regime’s determination to punish even the mildest forms of dissent. In reality, Al-Hazemi’s only crime was exercising his right to free speech, a right that is severely restricted in Saudi Arabia.

Connection to the Jeddah Reformers and the Arrest of Mousa Al-Qarni
Al-Hazemi’s arrest is also linked to his family connections, particularly his relationship with Mousa Al-Qarni, a dissident academic and reform advocate who was arrested in 2007 in what is known as the “Jeddah Reformers” or “Rest House Cell” case. Al-Qarni, along with several other intellectuals, was accused of plotting to overthrow the government after they gathered to discuss forming a human rights association.

Al-Qarni and his colleagues were sentenced to lengthy prison terms following a trial that lacked any semblance of fairness or justice. In October 2021, Al-Qarni died in prison due to medical negligence and the poor conditions of his detention. Al-Hazemi had been supporting Al-Qarni’s family, a duty that he could no longer fulfill following his own arrest.

The Jeddah Reformers’ case, much like Al-Hazemi’s, involved charges of political dissent, attempts to promote reform, and advocating for basic human rights—actions that the Saudi government views as dangerous threats to its authority.

The Sentencing: 23 Years in Prison and Additional Restrictions
In 2022, after months of arbitrary detention, the Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia handed down a harsh sentence against Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hazemi: 23 years in prison, followed by an additional 23-year travel ban. The sentence also required the permanent deletion of his social media accounts, despite Al-Hazemi’s denial of any involvement with the account used to accuse him.

The court invoked Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism law to justify the severe sentence, even though the charges against Al-Hazemi did not involve any violent activity or incitement. This misuse of the anti-terrorism law highlights how the regime conflates peaceful dissent with terrorism in an attempt to silence reformers.

Health Deterioration and Inhumane Conditions
Al-Hazemi’s arrest and sentencing have not only deprived him of his freedom but also exposed him to the harsh realities of Saudi prisons, where conditions are often dire, and medical care is inadequate. Many political prisoners in Saudi Arabia face torture, isolation, and medical neglect, and there are concerns that Al-Hazemi could face similar treatment.

In addition to the trauma of his arrest, Al-Hazemi’s prolonged imprisonment, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding his future, has taken a heavy toll on his health. Like many other political prisoners, he faces the possibility of being denied access to adequate medical treatment.

International Response and the Need for Action
The case of Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hazemi underscores the ongoing repression in Saudi Arabia, where the government continues to target academics, reformists, and intellectuals for expressing their views. His 23-year prison sentence, handed down without proper evidence, is a stark reminder of the regime’s intolerance of free speech and political dissent.

The international community must take a stronger stance on Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses, particularly the country’s misuse of anti-terrorism laws to punish peaceful activists and intellectuals. Governments, international organizations, and human rights advocates must:

Call for the immediate release of Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hazemi and other prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia.

Condemn the arbitrary use of anti-terrorism laws to silence peaceful dissent and demand reforms that guarantee freedom of speech and fair trials.

Increase diplomatic pressure on the Saudi government to ensure that political prisoners are treated humanely and given access to legal representation and medical care.

Only through sustained international pressure can we hope to secure justice for Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hazemi and others like him who have been wrongfully imprisoned for daring to speak out.

Together for Justice is once again calling on the international community—governments, institutions, and civil society organisations—to take urgent and decisive action to pressure the Saudi government to release prisoners of conscience who have been languishing in the country’s prisons for years. These individuals are held in degrading conditions, subject to humiliating treatment, and denied their basic human rights in blatant violation of international law and standards.

One of the most notorious cases involves those arrested during the September 2017 crackdown. This campaign, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after he assumed power, promised to be a step toward reform, progress, and enlightenment in Saudi Arabia. Instead, it became a ruthless effort to silence any form of dissent or opposition. The arrests targeted a broad spectrum of society, including scholars, intellectuals, activists, academics, business figures, and even members of the royal family.

The Case of Ali Humaid Al-Juhani: A Scholar Silenced

Among the victims of this crackdown is Ali Humaid Al-Juhani, a distinguished academic and professor at the Islamic University of Madinah. On September 14, 2024, he will have been imprisoned for seven long years without any official charges, legal representation, or access to the outside world. His case is shrouded in secrecy; the authorities have refused to provide any details about the reasons for his detention or the progress of his case, leaving him in a legal limbo.

Al-Juhani’s story is far from unique. His name is on a list of 83 individuals arrested during the 2017 purge, which included men and women from various fields. Despite minor releases of a few prisoners, most of them remain behind bars, subjected to inhumane conditions, denied basic rights such as medical care and contact with their families, and subjected to media smear campaigns designed to discredit them and justify their continued imprisonment.

A Campaign Against Voices of Reform

The mass arrests of September 2017 were a stark reminder that the Saudi regime’s promises of reform were little more than empty rhetoric. Rather than embracing voices calling for progress and constructive reform, the regime chose to suppress them in a bid to maintain absolute control over the narrative in the kingdom.

Those arrested in this crackdown were not violent dissidents or radical opposition figures. They were peaceful advocates for reform, democracy, and human rights—individuals who could have been key players in helping Saudi Arabia modernise. By imprisoning them, the Saudi government has shown that it values its grip on power over the wellbeing and progress of its people.

Together for Justice’s Call for Action

Together for Justice is joining the voices of countless other human rights organisations and advocates in calling on the Saudi government to immediately release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, including Ali Humaid Al-Juhani. These individuals are not criminals; they are the true wealth of the nation, intellectuals, and leaders who should not be silenced but celebrated.

The organisation also emphasizes that Saudi Arabia’s international partners have a responsibility to hold the regime accountable for its human rights violations. Governments and institutions that engage in diplomatic, military, or economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia must take a firm stand against these abuses. Human rights cannot be compromised for the sake of geopolitical or economic interests.

Together for Justice calls on the international community to:

• Demand the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and an end to arbitrary detentions.
• Suspend military, security, and economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia until significant improvements are made in its human rights practices.
• Pressure the Saudi government to provide transparency regarding the cases of all detainees and ensure fair and just legal proceedings in accordance with international law.

Seven Years Is Too Long

As the case of Ali Humaid Al-Juhani reaches its seven-year mark, the world must remember that behind the walls of Saudi prisons are hundreds of individuals like him—scholars, writers, activists—who have been stripped of their freedom simply for exercising their right to free expression. Their continued detention represents not only a grave injustice to them but also a betrayal of the values that Saudi Arabia claims to uphold.

The international community must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that these individuals are freed and that Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses are no longer ignored. The cost of inaction is too high, both for the individuals suffering in silence and for the future of Saudi Arabia as a whole.

Together, we can make a difference.

Together for Justice strongly condemns the ongoing detention of Saudi academic, writer, and blogger Abdullah Al-Maliki, who was arrested in September 2017 during a widespread crackdown on intellectuals, writers, and activists by the Saudi regime. Al-Maliki, a peaceful advocate for democratic values, was sentenced to seven years in prison following a sham trial in which he was deprived of legal representation and convicted on baseless charges such as “inciting public opinion,” “defending members of the banned Hasm movement,” and “possessing unauthorized books.”

Al-Maliki’s arrest came just days after he posted a tweet that criticized authoritarianism, stating: “There is nothing more dangerous than the will of one person having the power of law.” This statement was a clear reflection of his belief in democracy and opposition to any system of governance that centralizes power in the hands of a single ruler. Unfortunately, the Saudi regime’s swift reaction to silence him only confirmed the truth behind his words. Al-Maliki has been imprisoned ever since, and it remains uncertain when, or if, justice will be served.

A Peaceful Advocate Silenced

Abdullah Al-Maliki is widely respected as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential writers and thinkers. He has a large following on social media, where he has always used his platform to promote peaceful discourse and constructive criticism. Despite his peaceful activism and deep love for his country, the Saudi government saw him as a threat to their authoritarian rule. In an attempt to suppress his influence and silence his voice, the authorities fabricated charges against him and threw him behind bars.

Al-Maliki was convicted in a trial that lacked any semblance of fairness. He was denied the basic right to a lawyer and was convicted based on flimsy evidence provided by security agencies. The charges leveled against him were vague and politically motivated, with accusations of “inciting public opinion” and “defending Hasm”—a peaceful pro-democracy organization whose members have also faced severe repression. One of the most absurd charges was that of “possessing unauthorized books,” a clear attempt to criminalize intellectual curiosity and free thought.

Opposing Normalization and Defending Palestine

In addition to his criticism of the Saudi political system, Al-Maliki is also known for his strong stance against the normalization of relations with Israel, a stance that further alienated him from the authorities. He publicly voiced his opposition to any rapprochement with the Israeli regime, stating: “The best thing about the hashtag #SaudisAgainstNormalization is that the world hears a voice that is not heard in traditional media. We, as Saudis, inherit the love of Palestine and the hatred of Israel.”

This statement reflects the values of many Saudis who continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people despite the government’s efforts to improve ties with Israel. Al-Maliki’s principled stance on Palestine and his rejection of normalization further cemented the regime’s desire to silence him and others who speak out against policies that undermine the rights of Palestinians.

The Regime’s Hypocrisy on Human Rights

The Saudi government frequently claims to respect human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression, but cases like that of Abdullah Al-Maliki prove otherwise. In reality, Saudi prisons are filled with prisoners of conscience like Al-Maliki, whose only crime was speaking out against the regime or expressing dissenting views. The crackdown on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia is a glaring contradiction to the government’s attempts to portray itself as reformist and progressive on the international stage.

Al-Maliki’s arrest and detention demonstrate the Saudi regime’s reliance on authoritarian tactics to suppress free thought, silence its critics, and stifle democratic aspirations within the country. The ongoing imprisonment of peaceful intellectuals like Al-Maliki exposes the regime’s true intentions: to maintain absolute control and crush any form of opposition.

Calls for Immediate Action

Together for Justice urges the international community to act swiftly and decisively in defense of Abdullah Al-Maliki and all prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia. The world cannot stand by and allow the Saudi regime to continue its authoritarian repression unchecked. Governments, international organizations, and human rights advocates must pressure Saudi Arabia to release Al-Maliki and all others detained for peacefully expressing their views.

If the Saudi government is serious about reform and human rights, it must stop persecuting its intellectuals, activists, and writers. The arbitrary detention of peaceful citizens only further isolates Saudi Arabia from the global community and undermines its claims to progress.

Together, we can make a difference.