Six Years On: Saudi Journalist Osama Sehli Remains Imprisoned for Expressing His Views Online
Together for Justice condemns the continued detention of Saudi journalist Osama Sehli, who has now spent more than six years behind bars since his arrest in January 2019 for expressing his opinions on social media. His case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing assault on freedom of expression and press freedom in Saudi Arabia.
At the time of his arrest, Osama Sehli — known for his balanced and reform-oriented writings — worked with Al-Bilad newspaper. His articles and online posts called for responsible reform, transparency, and social development. However, these views, expressed peacefully within the limits of the law, were enough to land him in prison.
In January 2019, Saudi security forces raided his home and detained him without a legal warrant or justification. Sehli was held incommunicado for extended periods, denied access to his family and legal counsel, and subjected to mistreatment during interrogation. He was later brought before the Specialised Criminal Court, which sentenced him to eight years in prison on vague charges such as “supporting terrorism” and “undermining national security” — accusations frequently used by the Saudi regime to silence dissenting voices.
The arbitrary arrest and prosecution of Osama Sehli constitute serious violations of both Saudi and international law. Article 2 of Saudi Arabia’s Code of Criminal Procedure explicitly prohibits arrests and detentions except under the circumstances defined by law, and forbids any form of abuse or torture. Yet, authorities continue to disregard these provisions, allowing systemic violations to persist.
On an international level, his case breaches Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee every individual the right to freedom of opinion and expression without interference or fear of punishment.
Over the past six years, Sehli has endured harsh prison conditions, psychological abuse, and prolonged isolation. His family has been repeatedly denied regular contact and visitation rights. The accusations against him — based solely on personal online commentary — represent an attempt to destroy his reputation and use him as an example to intimidate other journalists and writers.
Together for Justice affirms that the continued imprisonment of Osama Sehli exposes the false image of reform and openness that Saudi authorities attempt to project internationally. Behind the façade of modernisation lies a harsh reality where journalists and writers are silenced, punished, and stripped of their basic rights.
The organisation calls for Osama Sehli’s immediate and unconditional release, the annulment of his unjust sentence, and compensation for the years of suffering he has endured. It also urges the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and the European Union to take concrete steps to pressure the Saudi government to respect its international obligations and ensure a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders.
The imprisonment of Osama Sehli is not an isolated incident — it is part of a systematic campaign to suppress free thought and independent journalism in Saudi Arabia. The right to speak should never be treated as a crime.
