Saeed Al-Shahrani, a well-known Saudi journalist and television host, has been missing for nearly five years, a victim of enforced disappearance following his arbitrary arrest by Saudi authorities in late 2019. His case is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, where individuals who dare to express dissenting opinions are often subjected to severe repression.
Al-Shahrani, who gained popularity as a presenter on the television channel “Bidaya,” was known for his bold approach to discussing sensitive topics. He did not shy away from expressing his views on social media, particularly when it came to criticising certain policies of the Saudi government. However, this courage came at a steep cost. In late 2019, without any legal warrant or formal charges, Al-Shahrani was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location. Since then, his whereabouts and condition have remained unknown, leaving his family and supporters in a state of anguish.
The Saudi government has yet to officially disclose the reasons behind Al-Shahrani’s arrest or his current status. However, sources suggest that his outspoken criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s policies, especially those labeled as reforms, likely led to his disappearance. Despite numerous appeals from his family and human rights organisations, the authorities have maintained a tight veil of secrecy around his case, refusing to provide any information or allow any form of communication with him.
This case highlights a broader pattern of repression in Saudi Arabia, where arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance are used as tools to silence critics and instill fear among the population. The absence of a fair trial, the denial of legal representation, and the complete lack of transparency in such cases represent gross violations of international human rights standards.
“Together for Justice” has been vocal in condemning the arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of individuals like Saeed Al-Shahrani. The organisation stresses that these actions are clear violations of international law, particularly Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
The enforced disappearance of Saeed Al-Shahrani is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Saudi Arabia, where activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who express opposition to the government are often targeted. These individuals are frequently arrested without warrant, held without trial, and subjected to inhumane treatment, including torture and prolonged solitary confinement. Their families are left in the dark, with no information about the fate of their loved ones.
“Together for Justice” has called on the international community to take concrete action to pressure the Saudi government to end these egregious human rights violations. The organisation demands the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their right to free expression. Moreover, it urges accountability for those responsible for these abuses, both under Saudi law and through international mechanisms.
As the world continues to engage with Saudi Arabia, it is imperative that human rights are not overlooked in favor of economic and strategic interests. The case of Saeed Al-Shahrani serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for global action to address the ongoing repression in the kingdom. His disappearance, and the silence surrounding it, is a testament to the risks faced by those who speak out in Saudi Arabia. It is a situation that demands not only attention but also decisive and sustained pressure from the international community.