Together for Justice Condemns the Arbitrary Arrest of Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed in Saudi Arabia
Together for Justice strongly condemns the arrest of Saudi academic and television presenter Mohammed Al‑Sayed, host of the programme Sawaed Al-Ikhaa, who was detained by Saudi authorities in December without any official disclosure of the reasons or legal basis for his arrest.
The arrest was first reported by “Prisoners of Conscience”, a platform dedicated to documenting cases of prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia. To date, the authorities have failed to clarify the charges against Dr. Al-Sayed, his legal status, or whether he has been granted access to legal representation, raising serious concerns about enforced opacity and arbitrary detention.
Together for Justice views this arrest as part of a broader, systematic campaign targeting reform-minded figures, community leaders, and individuals who dedicate their work to youth engagement and social cohesion. The continued repression of such figures reflects an entrenched policy of silencing peaceful reform and undermining independent initiatives that seek to contribute positively to society.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed is widely known for his constructive engagement with youth and his commitment to promoting values of solidarity, ethical responsibility, and social cooperation. Through Sawaed Al-Ikhaa, he has consistently adopted a moderate, non-confrontational discourse focused on moral development and community building, without any record of incitement, extremism, or calls for violence. He is regarded as a person of integrity and good reputation, whose work has had a positive social impact.
The detention of an individual with such a profile raises urgent questions about the Saudi authorities’ ongoing hostility toward peaceful reform and public service. It also sends a deeply troubling message to educators, media professionals, and community leaders that engagement with youth and efforts to promote social well-being may be treated as grounds for punishment rather than encouragement.
Together for Justice questions how long the Saudi authorities intend to continue their campaign against individuals whose only “offence” is working in the public interest and seeking the betterment of society. The persistent targeting of reformist voices not only violates fundamental human rights, but also undermines social trust and long-term stability.
Together for Justice therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed, full disclosure of the legal grounds for his detention, and guarantees of his right to due process, including access to legal counsel. We further urge international human rights mechanisms and relevant UN Special Procedures to closely monitor this case and to exert pressure on the Saudi authorities to end the practice of arbitrary detention and to respect the rights of peaceful reformers and community figures.
