Serious Deterioration in the Health of British Detainee Ahmed Al-Doush Amid Continued Arbitrary Detention in Saudi Arabia and Growing Criticism of the UK’s Response
Together for Justice has expressed grave concern over the serious deterioration in the health condition of British national Ahmed Al-Doush, who has been detained in Saudi Arabia since 2024 over old social media posts, amid increasing warnings from his family and human rights organizations that his continued detention could lead to irreversible consequences.
According to available information, Al-Doush, a British citizen of Sudanese origin based in Manchester, was arrested while visiting Saudi Arabia on a family trip as his wife was pregnant with their fourth child. Since then, he has reportedly faced prolonged detention under severe restrictions on communication with his family and repeated denial of regular contact with his wife and young children.
His wife, supported by Amnesty International, has warned that his physical and psychological condition has sharply deteriorated during his detention. Reports indicate that Al-Doush has undertaken multiple hunger strikes in protest against his isolation and the restrictions placed on communication with his family, while concerns continue to grow regarding risks to his life and well-being.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded, following an extended investigation, that Al-Doush’s detention was arbitrary under international law and called for his immediate release and compensation. According to the UN findings, he was not promptly informed of the reasons for his arrest, was denied communication with his family for extended periods, and was not brought before a judge until five months after his detention.
The UN report further indicated that the case was linked to old social media activity and an alleged social connection to a Saudi government critic living abroad, despite his lawyers stating that his online activity was extremely limited and did not justify the measures taken against him.
Despite the UN findings, Saudi authorities later confirmed that he had been sentenced, with his prison term reportedly reduced to five years, while details of the judgment remain unavailable to his family.
Together for Justice stresses that the continued detention of Ahmed Al-Doush amid severe health deterioration and prolonged isolation raises serious concerns regarding his physical and mental safety, particularly in light of reports warning of possible self-harm and life-threatening consequences.
The organization also criticizes the British government’s response, which has largely remained limited to diplomatic statements despite a clear UN determination that his detention is arbitrary and despite the continued close political and military cooperation between London and Riyadh.
Together for Justice believes that the protection of citizens arbitrarily detained abroad should not be subordinated to political or economic considerations, and that relying solely on quiet diplomacy sends a troubling message regarding the commitment to protecting fundamental rights.
The organization holds Saudi authorities fully responsible for the safety and well-being of Ahmed Al-Doush and calls for his immediate release, urgent access to adequate medical and psychological care, and regular communication with his family and legal representatives.
Together for Justice further calls on the British government to adopt a firmer and more transparent position in this case and to use all available diplomatic and legal channels to secure his release and end his ongoing suffering inside Saudi prisons.
