Saudi Authorities Continue Detaining Abdullah Al-Sayel After Completion of Five-Year Sentence Amid Concerns Over His Whereabouts
Saudi authorities continue to hold Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Sayel in detention despite the fact that he has completed his full five-year sentence, with no publicly disclosed legal basis for his continued imprisonment and growing concerns over his whereabouts following reports of interrupted contact with his family.
Al-Sayel was arrested in September 2019 after security forces raided his home in Muhayil Asir, reportedly in connection with tweets in which he expressed support for prisoners of conscience. In July 2022, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, along with a five-year travel ban. Having served the entirety of his sentence, he should have been released. Instead, authorities have continued to detain him without announcing any new charges or judicial ruling, effectively rendering his ongoing detention arbitrary.
During his years in custody, Al-Sayel was reportedly subjected to a range of violations, including physical and psychological ill-treatment aimed at coercion and intimidation. His family visits were allegedly restricted and closely monitored at Abha Prison, and he was held under conditions that raise serious concerns in light of international standards governing the treatment of detainees. His prolonged separation from his family has compounded the harm suffered by both him and his relatives.
The continued deprivation of his liberty beyond the expiration of his sentence constitutes a serious violation of the principle of legality and due process. Under international human rights law, detention without legal basis or beyond a judicially imposed term may amount to arbitrary detention. The lack of transparent information regarding his current legal status and the interruption of regular contact further intensify concerns about his safety and well-being.
Together for Justice affirms that the case of Abdullah Al-Sayel reflects a broader pattern in which individuals remain in detention after completing their sentences, without clear legal justification or procedural safeguards. The organization calls for his immediate and unconditional release, full disclosure of his legal status and place of detention, and an independent investigation into the alleged violations he endured while in custody, with accountability for those responsible.
