Saudi Authorities Refuse to Release Journalist Musaad Al-Kathiri Despite Sentence Completion
Saudi journalist Musaad Al-Kathiri remains unjustly detained in Saudi Arabia, despite having completed his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence in March 2021. Al-Kathiri, who was arrested during the notorious September 2017 crackdown targeting writers, intellectuals, activists, and dissenters, has since been held in harsh conditions without legal basis or any new charges. This ongoing detention exemplifies the Saudi authorities’ systematic refusal to release political detainees, regardless of their sentence completion.
Musaad Al-Kathiri, known for his background in media and education, has long advocated for social initiatives, including establishing community-focused media channels and encouraging youth volunteerism. However, his calls for positive societal engagement and his influence among Saudi youth were deemed threatening by the authorities, who sought to stifle his voice. Like many political detainees, Al-Kathiri was denied regular contact with his family, prevented from accessing legal representation, and subjected to a politicized trial that led to a sentence of three and a half years.
The conditions of Al-Kathiri’s detention are deplorable, failing to meet international standards. Reports indicate that he has endured unsanitary conditions and isolation from the outside world, all as part of a broader campaign to silence voices of dissent. Despite fulfilling his prison term, Al-Kathiri remains behind bars, deprived of his basic right to freedom without any justification from Saudi authorities.
His detention from the outset was arbitrary, as he was not accused of any crime. His real “offense” was exercising his right to free expression in ways that did not align with the Saudi regime’s agenda. His influence within Saudi society posed a perceived threat to the leadership, who fear the rise of independent voices capable of shaping public opinion.
Together for Justice calls on the Saudi authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of Musaad Al-Kathiri and all detainees who have completed their sentences. We also demand an investigation into the human rights abuses he has faced since his arrest and urge Saudi Arabia to adhere to its obligations under international human rights law by ending its practice of arbitrary detentions.
