Save the Elderly: Saudi Arabia Must Immediately Release Elderly Prisoners Before It’s Too Late
Together for Justice expresses deep concern over the escalating abuse of elderly prisoners in Saudi detention facilities, where deliberate medical neglect has already led to multiple deaths. The most recent victim, Dr. Qassem Al-Quthardi, died in custody in April 2025 after being systematically denied access to essential healthcare—despite his age and deteriorating condition. His death came after repeated warnings from rights groups regarding the critical health situations of elderly detainees. Yet the Saudi authorities continue to pursue a policy of punitive cruelty, with complete disregard for human dignity or life.
This is not an isolated incident. In April 2020, Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamid—a prominent reformist and human rights advocate—also died in prison following years of arbitrary detention. He was denied life-saving medical attention despite serious health complications. His death, slow and entirely preventable, sent shockwaves across the region and underscored the fatal consequences of Saudi Arabia’s repressive policies.
Saudi authorities bear full responsibility for the lives and safety of elderly detainees. The deaths of Al-Quthardi and Al-Hamid—and the ongoing suffering of many others—are the result of a systematic policy of abuse. Denying urgent medical care, refusing humanitarian release, and subjecting elderly prisoners to degrading conditions amount to slow, state-enabled killing. These acts demand international investigation and accountability.
The continued imprisonment of elderly and chronically ill individuals—many of whom are held in solitary confinement, without access to medical professionals, mobility aids, or family support—violates international law and basic principles of human decency.
Among those at immediate risk:
- Dr. Awad Al-Qarni (68) – Suffers from multiple chronic conditions, including a severe spinal disc injury. Despite his declining health, he remains in solitary confinement without appropriate care.
- Dr. Salman Al-Ouda (68) – Has experienced significant vision loss in one eye due to lack of treatment. He has been held in solitary confinement for years. His son, academic Abdullah Al-Ouda, has described this prolonged isolation as a form of torture under international law.
- Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali (75) – Detained despite serious chronic illnesses and advanced age. His continued imprisonment in harsh conditions poses an imminent threat to his life.
- Ms. Aida Al-Ghamdi (in her 60s) – Arbitrarily detained in 2018 in what appears to be retaliation for her son’s political activism. She was subjected to physical and psychological torture, denied access to medical care despite suffering from diabetes and hypertension, and held for extended periods in solitary confinement.
- Sheikh Suleiman Al-Dawish – Forcibly disappeared since his arrest in April 2016. His fate remains unknown. Credible reports suggest he was subjected to severe torture, with fears he may have died in custody. His arrest followed tweets critical of the centralisation of power in the hands of the crown prince.
These cases highlight a broader policy of abuse and neglect targeting elderly detainees. The Saudi government has failed to uphold its obligations under international law, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), the Convention Against Torture, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Together for Justice calls for:
- The immediate and unconditional release of all elderly detainees in Saudi prisons.
- The Saudi government to be held fully accountable for the abuse, medical neglect, and deaths of detainees in its custody.
- An independent international investigation into the death of Dr. Qassem Al-Quthardi and other cases of torture, enforced disappearance, and medical denial.
- Governments with close ties to Saudi Arabia to take concrete action, including diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and public condemnation of these violations.
- A clear recognition that passive expressions of concern are no longer sufficient—international silence enables continued abuse and deaths in detention.
As part of this effort, Together for Justice is joining the #SaveTheElderly campaign and urges everyone—activists, journalists, organisations, and concerned citizens—to participate by raising awareness, sharing the stories of those at risk, and demanding justice.
Public pressure and solidarity can save lives. Let us not wait for another name to be added to the list of the dead. Act now—before it’s too late.
