On November 20, 2023, Saudi authorities detained Fahd Ezzi Mohammed Ramadhan, two days after his arrival from the Netherlands. From November 23 to January 1, 2024, he was held incommunicado without access to legal counsel.
Ramadhan told Dutch embassy officials in Riyadh that his arrest was likely tied to his online support for a critic of the Saudi royal family. In May, interrogators pressured him to sign a document referencing four of his tweets, further suggesting his detention was linked to his social media activity.
Saudi authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Fahd Ezzi Mohammed Ramadhan. Peaceful online expression should not be punished, and international pressure is crucial to securing his freedom.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Saudi Minister of Justice urging the authorities to:
- Ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Fahd Ezzi Mohammed Ramadhan if he is detained solely for peacefully exercising his human rights.
- Provide evidence of involvement in a recognized criminal offense if authorities claim otherwise.
- Ensure adequate medical care and access to the lawyer appointed by his family until his release.
Write to:
Waleed Mohammed Al Samani
Minister of Justice
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Code 11472, P.O Box 7775
Email: 1950@moj.gov.sa
Salutation: Your Excellency:
And copy:
Her Excellency Amal Yahya ALMOALIMI
Ambassador
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
201 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1N 1K6
Tel: (613) 237-4100 Fax: (613) 237-0567
Email: caemb@mofa.gov.sa
Background
Fahd Ezzi Mohammed Ramadhan was born in Saudi Arabia and traveled back on November 18, 2023, to gather documents for his citizenship application in the Netherlands, where he has lived with asylum protection since 2018. He was officially granted Dutch citizenship in February 2024.
Crackdown on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia
Amnesty International has documented an escalating crackdown by Saudi authorities targeting both citizens and foreign nationals for peaceful expression. Many have been given lengthy prison sentences for criticizing government policies or participating in peaceful protests. These legal proceedings often fall short of international fair trial standards, with detainees held incommunicado, placed in solitary confinement, and denied access to legal representation or the courts.
By July 2024, Amnesty International had recorded 82 cases of individuals prosecuted solely for exercising their rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, or association. Among them, 32 were targeted for expressing opinions on social media. Amnesty believes the real number of such prosecutions is likely much higher.
Please take action as soon as possible until February 18, 2025! The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
