Khalid Al-Mahwash: Seven Years of Detention for Humanitarian Efforts
Khalid Al-Mahwash, a dedicated humanitarian worker and human rights activist, is nearing his seventh year of imprisonment in Saudi Arabia. His arrest was due to his reformist views and his relentless efforts to improve the living conditions of the poor and needy in the Kingdom.
Al-Mahwash, a Saudi human rights activist and educational counsellor, devoted many years to working with the “Abnaa Buraidah” charity. This organization provided financial, emotional, and community support for orphans, ensuring their educational attainment and helping them secure jobs after graduation.
His community activism made him a target for Saudi authorities, who often crack down on individuals with reformist tendencies and developmental or educational ideologies. Al-Mahwash was arrested during the harsh crackdown of September 2017, which saw the detention of dozens, if not hundreds, of activists, academics, and preachers.
In the early days of his detention, Al-Mahwash endured severe psychological torture aimed at breaking his spirit and stripping him of his dignity. After four years of arbitrary detention, during which he was denied basic rights such as legal representation, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and an additional 10-year travel ban upon release. This sentence was upheld in a secret appellate court session, making it final and enforceable.
The verdict against Al-Mahwash is deeply flawed and illegal, riddled with legal violations. It is representative of other rulings from a court that has become a tool for the current Saudi regime to retaliate against and oppress its critics and opponents.
In light of this, “Together for Justice” calls on international decision-makers to intervene and pressure Saudi authorities to release Khalid Al-Mahwash and all prisoners of conscience. The continued detention of these individuals poses a severe threat to their lives due to mistreatment and deliberate medical neglect.
We urge human rights defenders worldwide to speak out about the plight of Saudi prisoners of conscience. It is crucial to bring their suffering to the attention of the international community and press the Saudi regime to release them unconditionally, along with all political detainees in the Kingdom.
