Eight Years in Prison: Dr. Essam Al-Zamel – A Leading Economist Silenced by Saudi Arabia’s War on Expertise
Dr. Essam Al-Zamel, one of Saudi Arabia’s most respected economic minds, has now spent eight years behind bars—not for committing a crime, but for fulfilling his duty as an economist: to question, to analyze, and to propose better alternatives. His arrest and continued imprisonment reflect a broader pattern in Saudi Arabia, where loyalty is rewarded and competence is punished.
Al-Zamel was arrested in September 2017, during a sweeping crackdown on intellectuals, academics, economists, and reform advocates. His detention coincided with the rise of Mohammed bin Salman to power and came shortly after Al-Zamel took part in an official delegation accompanying King Salman to the United States—highlighting the absurd contradiction of the state entrusting him with diplomatic representation only to label him a threat days later.
His real “offense” was his outspoken criticism of the Saudi government’s economic strategy, including the much-publicized Vision 2030. He warned against unchecked foreign investment and the squandering of national wealth, and he offered independent, constructive proposals for economic reform.
Instead of being welcomed, his insights led to his arrest. He was later charged with vague and politicized accusations such as “endangering national unity” and “undermining the social fabric”—charges regularly used by Saudi authorities to silence dissent.
For three years, Al-Zamel was held in pre-trial detention under harsh and degrading conditions. In a closed-door proceeding before the Specialized Criminal Court, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison without access to legal representation or a transparent judicial process. No credible evidence was ever presented against him.
Since his imprisonment, Al-Zamel has reportedly endured extended periods of solitary confinement, denial of adequate medical care, and persistent psychological abuse. Meanwhile, the very issues he raised have proven painfully real.
In 2025, the governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Yasir Al-Rumayyan, publicly admitted that the fund had fallen victim to a legal deception involving Credit Suisse, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars in public funds. This disaster wasn’t due to a lack of ambition—it was due to the deliberate exclusion of qualified voices like Al-Zamel’s from positions of influence.
Today, the man who warned of impending financial mismanagement remains imprisoned, while the state continues to suffer the consequences of ignoring its brightest minds.
Together for Justice calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Essam Al-Zamel, and for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest, trial, and detention. Those responsible for his unjust imprisonment—and for silencing other competent voices—must be held accountable. A nation that imprisons its experts cannot claim to pursue reform. Real progress begins with truth, transparency, and the courage to listen.
