On the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders Anniversary, We Call for the release of all those detained beyond their release dates
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, hundreds of human rights defenders are still held in Saudi jails for simply exercising their right to freedom of speech, dozens of whom are held beyond their release dates.
On this occasion, Together for Justice stresses that the continued detention of inmates beyond their release dates breaches both international human rights law and Saudi Arabia’s own laws regarding fair trials and due process.
A number of political prisoners are still arbitrary held in Saudi bars despite the end of their prison sentences, which raises alarm bells over the already deteriorated human rights situation in the Kingdom.
Shortly after serving their prison sentences, dozens of political prisoners were surprised by receiving additional prison sentences over vague charges and following unfair trials, many of whom were even prevented from legal representation.
In this regard, Together for Justice calls on the Saudi authorities to end these arbitrary practices and to immediately and unconditionally release those detained beyond their release dates and all political prisoners in the Kingdom.
Together for Justice also calls on the international community to put more pressure on Saudi authorities to abide by international laws and norms related to fair trials and due process.
