Together for Justice Calls for Freedom of Saud Al-Faraj: UN Labels Detention as Arbitrary
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a strong condemnation of Saudi Arabia’s detention practices, calling for the immediate release of Saud Al-Faraj. According to the UN body, Al-Faraj’s imprisonment since 2019 represents a severe violation of international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The group’s opinion, adopted after reviewing the evidence and Saudi Arabia’s responses, highlights a series of abuses that underscore concerns about the state of human rights within the Kingdom.
Background on Saud Al-Faraj’s Case
Saud bin Mohammed bin Ali Al-Faraj, a businessman from Al-Awamiyah, participated in peaceful protests in the Qatif region from 2011 to 2012. During these protests, he attended funerals for individuals killed by Saudi security forces. Following these events, Al-Faraj became a target of government surveillance and intimidation. In November 2019, Saudi security forces demanded that he cooperate in handing over certain individuals, a request he refused. Subsequently, his property was raided, and on December 2, 2019, he and his family encountered tanks stationed outside their home. His house was stormed, and construction equipment was confiscated under dubious pretenses.
Al-Faraj was later arrested without an official warrant and subjected to brutal treatment. He was accused of possessing explosives and heavy weapons, claims for which the government has yet to present concrete evidence. Moreover, during his detention, Al-Faraj was reportedly coerced into confessing under threats and severe torture, including physical abuse, sexual harassment, and threats against his wife.
Patterns of Abuse and Violations of Due Process
The Saudi government’s treatment of Al-Faraj exemplifies a broader trend of arbitrary detention and human rights abuses. Reports indicate that following his arrest, he was held in solitary confinement for over a year and denied contact with his family for extended periods. Al-Faraj’s interactions with the legal system have also been marred by irregularities. He was denied legal representation for several months, and his trial process lacked transparency, with his pleas about torture and mistreatment largely ignored.
During court proceedings, Al-Faraj recounted his ordeal to the judges and requested that evidence of his torture be considered. However, the court dismissed these requests and relied on forced confessions to sentence him to death. Although Al-Faraj’s lawyer has since appealed the verdict, the case remains under review by the Supreme Court, with little indication of progress or due consideration of his appeals.
The UN Working Group’s Findings and Recommendations
The UN Working Group’s investigation into the case reveals numerous violations of Al-Faraj’s rights. The group concluded that his arrest was arbitrary, citing breaches of Articles 9, 10, and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Articles 19 and 20, which protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The Working Group criticized Saudi Arabia’s failure to present an arrest warrant or justify the charges against Al-Faraj. Moreover, the government’s response to the allegations failed to refute claims of torture or unlawful detention, which further solidified the group’s opinion that Al-Faraj’s detention is arbitrary.
The UN body has recommended Al-Faraj’s immediate release and called for compensation for the harms he has endured. It also urged Saudi authorities to investigate the case thoroughly, hold those responsible accountable, and reform their legal practices to align with international standards. The group specifically highlighted the need to revise the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Law, which has been widely criticized for facilitating arbitrary arrests and detentions.
Continued Advocacy and Calls for Reform
Together for Justice reiterates the urgent need for Al-Faraj’s release and demands that the Saudi government comply with international human rights obligations. The organization, alongside other human rights groups, underscores that Al-Faraj’s case is emblematic of a troubling pattern in Saudi Arabia, where dissenting voices and peaceful protestors face severe repression. The Kingdom’s systematic use of arbitrary detention and reported instances of torture signal a blatant disregard for fundamental rights and freedoms.
The case also highlights Saudi Arabia’s evasive approach to international scrutiny. Despite repeated calls for transparency and accountability, the government has consistently disregarded requests from the UN and other bodies to allow independent investigations or observe compliance with human rights standards. Together for Justice emphasizes that international pressure is vital in holding the Saudi government accountable and ensuring that fundamental rights are respected.
As Al-Faraj awaits his fate in Dammam Prison, the organization calls on global leaders and human rights advocates to join in demanding justice. The continued silence of the international community not only emboldens such abuses but also undermines the fight for universal human rights. Together for Justice believes that only through persistent advocacy and a collective voice can change be achieved and victims like Saud Al-Faraj find freedom.