Saudi Scholar Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif Faces Prolonged Imprisonment Amid Secret Trials and Medical Neglect
Together for Justice calls for his immediate release and an end to arbitrary detentions in Saudi Arabia.
In a stark example of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing crackdown on intellectuals, academics, and peaceful dissidents, Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif, a well-known Islamic scholar, preacher, and former pilot, remains imprisoned under harsh conditions. His sentence, initially set at five years, was shockingly increased to 13 years by the Saudi Court of Appeal in January 2023, following a secretive and unjust trial process.
Dr. Al-Sharif’s arrest took place in September 2017, as part of a sweeping campaign targeting hundreds of clerics, journalists, and intellectuals. The wave of arrests came shortly after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rose to power, marking a period of intensified repression against individuals who advocated for reform, expressed independent views, or engaged in humanitarian work.
The Saudi Specialized Criminal Court charged Dr. Al-Sharif with over 20 accusations, including the broad and vague charge of “destabilizing the security of the kingdom.” He was also accused of “participating in relief efforts inside and outside the country,” a humanitarian activity that should be celebrated, not criminalized. These charges reflect the troubling trend in Saudi Arabia of using counterterrorism laws to silence peaceful voices under the guise of national security.
Secret Trials and Health Deterioration
Dr. Al-Sharif’s trials were conducted in secrecy, with no transparency or fair judicial procedures, depriving him of his fundamental rights to due process. Reports from those who have seen him during court hearings indicate that his health has deteriorated significantly. His face is often described as pale and marked by signs of exhaustion and illness, raising serious concerns about his well-being. Observers have noted that the academic is subjected to medical neglect, a common tactic used by Saudi authorities to pressure detainees.
The deliberate disregard for Dr. Al-Sharif’s health, along with his prolonged arbitrary detention, constitutes a severe violation of international human rights law. The United Nations and numerous human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Saudi Arabia’s use of secretive trials, unlawful detentions, and denial of basic rights to prisoners of conscience. Yet, the kingdom continues its repressive measures with little accountability from the international community.
A Scholar with a Legacy of Service
Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif is more than just a detainee; he is a scholar who has contributed significantly to Islamic studies, history, literature, and social thought. As a university professor and author, he has written extensively on topics such as Islamic teachings, the Prophet’s biography, and Arab history. His books and lectures have inspired millions of people across the Arab world, earning him a reputation as a moderate voice for Islamic education and social responsibility.
Beyond academia, Dr. Al-Sharif was actively involved in humanitarian efforts. His relief work, both within Saudi Arabia and abroad, showcased his commitment to helping those in need—an act now unjustly used as evidence of wrongdoing by the Saudi regime.
A Call for International Pressure
Together for Justice strongly condemns the continued imprisonment of Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif and the extension of his sentence. We call on the Saudi government to release him immediately and drop the baseless charges against him. His detention is part of a broader pattern of repression against intellectuals, clerics, and reformists in the kingdom, where dissent is punished with imprisonment and, in many cases, death.
The international community must not remain silent in the face of such grave violations of human rights. We urge world leaders, human rights organizations, and the UN to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to end its policy of arbitrary detention, ensure fair trials, and provide proper medical care to detainees like Dr. Al-Sharif. The protection of fundamental human rights must take precedence over geopolitical and economic interests.
As Saudi Arabia continues its attempts to reshape its image through high-profile international events and investments, the world must not forget those who languish in its prisons for speaking out or simply living according to their conscience. Dr. Al-Sharif’s case highlights the severe consequences of the kingdom’s authoritarian crackdown on freedom of expression and humanitarian work. Together for Justice stands with him and all those who have been unjustly detained.
Together for Justice calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Mohammad Musa Al-Sharif and an end to the arbitrary detention of peaceful scholars and activists in Saudi Arabia.
