The authorities in Saudi Arabia are silencing and punishing those exercising their freedom of speech in the country, despite repeated promises of progress on human rights. A mere social media post calling for human rights reforms or criticizing the authorities can lead to decades in prison, travel bans, or even a death sentence. Manahel al-Otaibi, Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, Mohammad al-Qahtani, Salma al-Shehab, Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, and many more, represent the voices of change in Saudi Arabia. Instead of being behind bars, they must be allowed to exercise their right to freedom of expression without fear of prosecution or reprisal.

We are calling on the authorities in Saudi Arabia to release them and all those wrongfully detained for exercising their freedom of expression.

Kindest regards,