A retired teacher in Saudi Arabia sentenced to death for social media posts with only 10 followers is being held arbitrarily, as determined by UN experts. Mohammed al-Ghamdi’s case comes after his brother, Asaad, received a 20-year sentence for similar posts critical of government policies. The brothers are part of a growing group facing severe penalties for online activism against the Saudi government.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention highlighted a systematic issue of arbitrary detention in Saudi Arabia and voiced concerns over the country’s human rights violations. The Saudi government defended the convictions under a counter-terrorism law, sparking criticism from human rights advocates.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged flaws in the legal system but activists argue that repression against free speech persists. Concerns over the government’s actions persist, especially with global scrutiny on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
‘Bad laws’
The brothers believe their activism led to retaliation, as their sentences seem disproportionate to their actions. Calls for their release have gained international attention, urging the Saudi government to reconsider its approach towards political dissent.