Human Rights Under Attack: The Case of Nassar Al-Faridi
The Saudi authorities’ arrest of citizen Nassar Al-Faridi since the beginning of November 2022 is yet another glaring example of the regime’s oppressive tactics to silence dissent and crush peaceful advocacy. Al-Faridi’s detention stems from his previous tweets supporting the late reformist Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamid and demanding justice for the detainees of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA).
Nassar Al-Faridi’s arrest is a stark violation of fundamental human rights and international legal standards. His peaceful expression of support for reform and justice should not be criminalised. The Saudi government’s actions are a clear breach of international treaties and conventions that guarantee the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
These arbitrary arrests directly contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Article 19. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Saudi Arabia is a signatory, explicitly protects these rights in Articles 19 and 21. By detaining Al-Faridi for his peaceful tweets, Saudi Arabia is blatantly disregarding its international obligations and commitments to uphold human rights.
Moreover, the United Nations has consistently condemned arbitrary detention as a violation of international law. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has repeatedly called on states to ensure that no one is deprived of their liberty for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The detention of Nassar Al-Faridi is a flagrant disregard for these principles and highlights the ongoing repressive environment in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi authorities’ actions are not only a violation of international laws but also a blatant disregard for the basic principles of justice and human dignity. Arbitrary arrests and detentions undermine the rule of law and erode trust in the justice system. The continued persecution of individuals for their peaceful advocacy and reformist views sends a chilling message to all those who dare to speak out against injustice and demand accountability.
Together for Justice calls on the international community to condemn the arbitrary detention of Nassar Al-Faridi and to pressure the Saudi government to release him immediately and unconditionally. The world must hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its continuous human rights violations and demand that it adheres to its international obligations. We urge human rights organisations, activists, and concerned citizens to join us in advocating for Al-Faridi’s release and to stand in solidarity with all those unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights.
