Enforced Disappearance Since 2024: The Arrest of Lawyer Omar Al-Khouli Exposes Repression Behind “Reform” Narratives
Together for Justice strongly condemns the continued enforced disappearance of lawyer Dr. Omar Al-Khouli since his arrest in early 2024, in a case that constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights and raises grave concerns over his safety and whereabouts.
According to available information, Al-Khouli was arrested for exercising his legitimate right to expose corruption within the sports sector and for formally calling on authorities to initiate legal investigations. Such actions fall squarely within the protected rights of freedom of expression and accountability, and cannot lawfully justify arrest or detention.
His continued detention without any official disclosure of his location or legal status, and without access to his family or legal counsel, amounts to enforced disappearance. This represents a direct violation of the right to liberty and security of person, as well as fundamental fair trial guarantees, and raises serious concerns regarding his physical and psychological well-being.
Together for Justice stresses that this case highlights the stark contradiction between official narratives promoting “reform” and openness, and the reality of systematic repression targeting those who call for transparency and accountability. It further demonstrates that large-scale investments in sports and global image-building efforts are accompanied by ongoing domestic violations—a pattern widely described as “sportswashing.”
From a legal perspective, the arrest of Al-Khouli for peaceful expression and anti-corruption advocacy constitutes a violation of freedom of expression. His undisclosed detention, without due process, falls within the definition of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance—both prohibited under international law.
Accordingly, Together for Justice calls for the immediate disclosure of Dr. Omar Al-Khouli’s whereabouts and legal status, guarantees of his access to legal representation and family contact, and his immediate and unconditional release. The organization also calls for an end to the targeting of individuals for exercising their right to speak out against corruption, and for accountability for the violations committed against him.
The continuation of such practices fundamentally undermines any claims of reform and confirms that repression, rather than transparency or accountability, remains the prevailing reality.
