Seven Years of Arbitrary Detention for Peaceful Expression: The Case of Abdullah Yahya Al-Ghizawi Highlights Ongoing Violations and Lack of Transparency

Together for Justice renews its call for the immediate release of Saudi citizen Abdullah Yahya Al-Ghizawi, who has remained in detention since May 2019, marking seven years of imprisonment in connection with the peaceful expression of his views.

According to available information, Al-Ghizawi was arrested following a raid on his family home in Qatif without a judicial warrant. His detention was reportedly linked to his opinions, after which he was subjected to a series of violations, including periods of enforced disappearance and the denial of his fundamental legal rights.

Since his arrest, there has been a persistent lack of transparency surrounding his case. Information regarding his current legal status, the progress of any judicial proceedings, or even his conditions of detention remains limited, raising serious concerns about his safety and well-being.

From a legal standpoint, the arrest and continued detention of Al-Ghizawi without a clear legal basis, and on grounds related to the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, fall within the definition of arbitrary detention. The absence of due process guarantees, including access to legal counsel and judicial oversight, further undermines the legitimacy of his detention.

This case reflects a broader pattern in which individuals are detained for exercising their basic rights, while their cases remain obscured by a lack of accountability and transparency. Such practices weaken the rule of law and erode fundamental protections afforded under international human rights standards.

Accordingly, Together for Justice calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdullah Yahya Al-Ghizawi. The organization also calls for full disclosure of his legal status, guarantees of his safety, and ensuring his right to communicate with his family and legal representatives.

The continued detention of Al-Ghizawi after seven years, under these conditions, raises serious concerns about the protection of fundamental rights and the adherence to basic legal standards.