Media Personality Hatem Al-Najjar Missing Amid Online Attack: Concerns Mount Over Possible Arrest and Safety
Hatem Al-Najjar, the popular host of the “Muraba (Square)” podcast on Radio Thmanyah, has been absent from all social media platforms since January 15, following a coordinated online campaign launched against him by Cyber Armies, widely believed to be affiliated with the Saudi regime. These committees, often referred to as “electronic flies,” have been notorious for targeting critics and independent voices, particularly on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).
The attack on Al-Najjar raises alarm, as these digital campaigns frequently aim to silence individuals who voice opinions deemed threatening or critical of the regime. While the exact reasons behind this campaign remain unclear, Al-Najjar’s sudden disappearance has sparked growing concerns about his safety and whereabouts.
Speculation is mounting that Al-Najjar may have been arrested by Saudi security forces and taken to an undisclosed location, though this has not been officially confirmed. If true, his arrest would follow a troubling pattern of repression by the Saudi government, where dissenting voices are often silenced through arbitrary detention, intimidation, and torture.
The fact that his whereabouts are unknown heightens fears for his well-being. Any harm that may come to Al-Najjar would not only be a violation of his basic human rights but also a clear indicator of the increasing crackdown on free speech in Saudi Arabia. Such actions only serve to fuel the already grim human rights record of the kingdom, where freedom of expression remains severely limited.
We strongly urge the Saudi authorities to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Hatem Al-Najjar and guarantee his safety. Any harm inflicted on him or his unlawful detention will only add to the growing list of human rights violations committed by the regime. It is imperative that Al-Najjar is afforded all protections under international law, including the right to legal representation and communication with his family.
We also condemn the continuing repression of independent voices and the use of cyberattacks to stifle dissent. The Saudi regime’s attempts to silence its critics through intimidation, imprisonment, and secret detentions must be brought to an end. The international community should remain vigilant and hold the kingdom accountable for its actions, ensuring that justice is served for those like Hatem Al-Najjar who dare to speak truth in the face of oppression.
The world is watching, and we will continue to demand transparency, accountability, and above all, respect for human rights in Saudi Arabia.
