Human Rights Defenders Arrested in Saudi Arabia, March 2004
On 15 March 2004, a group of human rights defenders were allegedly arrested in connection with their criticism of the newly established National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) for its lack of independence from the government, and for submitting an application, shortly before their arrest, in order to form an independent human rights organization to promote and protect human rights in Saudi Arabia. Their arrest was also allegedly a reprisal for their active engagement, in the last two years, in peaceful activities calling upon the government to take steps towards political reforms, democracy and respect for human rights.
Those still in detention are reportedly being held incommunicado at the General Intelligence (al-Mabahith al-'Amma) in 'Ulaysha, in the capital, Riyadh, and are at risk of torture and ill-treatment. It is reported that an official at the Ministry of Interior announced that the detainees were suspected of issuing "statements which do not serve the unity of the country and the cohesion of society...based on the Islamic religion".
This group reportedly included Adnan Al-Shakhess, Matrouk Al-Faleh, Abd Rab Al-Ameer Mussa Al-Bukhamseen, Khalid Al-Hameed, Abdulla Al-Hamad, Mohammed Said Al-Taib, Towfiq Al-Qaseer, Najeeb Al-Khanizee, Abdul-Rahman Alahim, Ali Al-Deminy and Shaikh Sulaiman Al-Rashoud. In addition, a travel ban was allegedly placed on Mr. Abdul Karim Al Juhayman.
Adnan Al-Shakhess, Matrouk Al-Faleh, Abd Rab Al-Ameer Mussa Al-Bukhamseen, Towfiq Al-Qaseer and Khalid Al-Hameed were reportedly released on 17 March 2004. Abdulla Al-Hamad, Mohammed Said Al-Taib, Najeeb Al-Khanizee, Abdul-Rahman Alahim, Ali Al-Deminy and Shaikh Sulaiman Al-Rashoud allegedly remain in detention. The Ministry of the Interior is reportedly willing to release all the detainees on the condition that they sign a pledge that they will cease their campaign in favour of reforms of the political and human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. Front Line has called for those still in detention to be released immediately and unconditionally.