Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni: Facing Execution for Social Media Posts in Saudi Arabia’s Repressive Regime

In 2017, Saudi cleric and law professor Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni was arrested during a wave of mass detentions ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crackdown, which targeted intellectuals, clerics, human rights advocates, and anyone critical of the Saudi regime, was part of the Crown Prince’s broader effort to consolidate power and stifle dissent. Among the accusations leveled against Al-Qarni are activities that, in most countries, would be protected under free speech laws: managing a Twitter account, participating in WhatsApp conversations, and sharing political opinions that the Saudi government deemed hostile.
The Charges Against Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni
The charges that Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni faces are directly related to his social media use and private conversations. According to documents shared by his son, Nasser Al-Qarni, with British media outlets, including The Guardian, Sheikh Al-Qarni is accused of “opposing the kingdom” by using social media to express views critical of Saudi policies. He stands accused of:
Managing a Twitter account under his real name, where he shared opinions deemed critical of the Saudi government.
Using WhatsApp to participate in private conversations where he shared videos praising the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization that Saudi Arabia classifies as a terrorist group.
Owning a Telegram account, also allegedly used to share anti-government messages.
These seemingly innocuous actions—tweeting, chatting, and sharing videos—are the basis of the charges that could lead to Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s execution. The Saudi Public Prosecutor is calling for the death penalty, claiming that his social media use and private communications amount to a form of rebellion against the state.
Confession Under Duress
Sheikh Al-Qarni’s so-called confession, obtained under questionable circumstances, reveals the flimsy basis of the charges against him. The documents indicate that Al-Qarni admitted to using Twitter and WhatsApp to share his views, but it’s unclear whether this confession was coerced or made voluntarily. Given the Saudi regime’s track record of using torture and pressure tactics during interrogations, there are serious concerns about the legitimacy of these admissions.
Nasser Al-Qarni, who fled Saudi Arabia due to threats against his own life, has been outspoken about his father’s case, using international media to shed light on the abuses taking place in the kingdom. According to Nasser, the charges are politically motivated, designed to silence his father and intimidate others who might dare to express critical views.
The Broader Crackdown on Social Media Users
Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case is far from unique. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has escalated its crackdown on social media users, activists, and even ordinary citizens who use platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram to express their opinions. The regime treats online dissent as a serious threat to its authority, punishing those who engage in it with lengthy prison sentences or, in extreme cases like Al-Qarni’s, death.
One of the most notable recent cases is that of Salma Al-Shehab, a PhD student at Leeds University and mother of two, who was sentenced to 34 years in prison for her Twitter activity. Al-Shehab’s crime? Following and retweeting posts from Saudi dissidents and activists. Similarly, Noura Al-Qahtani received a 45-year prison sentence for social media use that was deemed critical of the government.
These cases illustrate the Saudi regime’s zero-tolerance policy toward free speech. In a country where dissent is equated with treason, simply tweeting a critical opinion or sharing a video can result in life-altering consequences. For many, it can mean years in prison, or worse, a death sentence.
The Politicization of Saudi Courts
Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case also highlights the highly politicized nature of Saudi Arabia’s judicial system. Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rose to power, the country’s courts have been used as tools to legitimize the regime’s crackdown on dissent. Trials, particularly for political prisoners, are often held in secret, with defendants denied access to legal representation or the ability to defend themselves properly.
In Al-Qarni’s case, as with many others, the charges are vague and overreaching. The government accuses him of “opposing the kingdom,” a charge that encompasses a broad range of actions and opinions, including peaceful criticism. By framing dissent as a threat to national security, the Saudi regime justifies extreme measures, including the death penalty, against those who simply exercise their right to free speech.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s use of anti-terrorism laws to prosecute individuals like Al-Qarni and Al-Shehab is part of a broader strategy to silence any form of opposition. These laws are often applied arbitrarily, allowing the government to equate peaceful activism with terrorism. This conflation of legitimate dissent with violent extremism undermines the basic principles of justice and fairness.
International Outcry and the Call for Justice
The case of Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni has garnered significant attention from international human rights organizations, which have condemned the Saudi government’s actions. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other groups have called for the immediate release of Al-Qarni and other prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia. These organizations have also highlighted the regime’s pattern of using social media activity as a pretext for harsh punishments, including execution.
The international community has a critical role to play in holding the Saudi government accountable for its human rights abuses. Governments, particularly those with close ties to Saudi Arabia, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, must pressure the kingdom to respect freedom of speech and ensure that political prisoners like Al-Qarni receive fair trials.
Furthermore, global social media platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Telegram must recognize their responsibility in protecting users’ rights to free expression. These platforms, while providing a space for discussion and activism, can also be used by authoritarian regimes to track and punish dissenters. Social media companies should work to ensure that their platforms are not weaponized by oppressive governments.
The Need for Action
Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against the Saudi regime. His potential execution for simply using social media highlights the extent to which freedom of expression is under assault in Saudi Arabia. As long as the international community remains silent, the Saudi government will continue to use its judiciary as a weapon against its own people.
It is crucial that human rights organizations, governments, and civil society groups continue to apply pressure on Saudi Arabia to end its persecution of dissenters. Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni, like many others, deserves the right to express his opinions without fear of imprisonment or execution.
The world must act now, before it is too late for those who have already suffered at the hands of the Saudi regime.