Original Source: www.jurist.org
Amnesty International raised alarms on Thursday over the detentions in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of individuals imprisoned for their online expressions. As the nation gears up to host the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from December 15 to 19, the organization stresses that genuine commitment to human rights requires these individuals’ freedom. According to Amnesty’s Bissan Fakih, failure to act would reveal the hypocrisy of the Saudi authorities far and wide.
The IGF is intended to foster themes surrounding “advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age,” aiming to connect and empower marginalized groups through online access. Amnesty contends that while the forum promotes these ideals, Saudi Arabia continues to imprison, disappear, and impose heavy sentences on those daring to speak out online. Such actions starkly contrast the IGF’s principles, leading to an unsettling dissonance between intention and reality.
In a heartfelt plea, Amnesty, along with 39 human rights organizations, previously called for the release of the detainees. They spotlighted Osama Khalid, a Wikipedia editor serving 32 years for charges such as “swaying public opinion.” Reports suggest Khalid faced prosecution merely for voicing concerns about the government’s treatment of political activists, exemplifying the severe repercussions of dissent.
Another case drawing attention is that of Asaad al-Ghamdi, sentenced to 20 years under vague anti-terrorism laws for simply sharing thoughts online. Human Rights Watch’s Joey Shea underscored that these convictions are emblematic of a larger trend where ordinary citizens face heinous punishments for merely expressing themselves. This grim reality calls on Saudi Arabia’s global allies to take a stand against such violations and advocate for the immediate release of these prisoners.
Critics assert that Saudi Arabia’s conduct against individuals expressing their views online is a blatant infringement of international human rights laws. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees freedom of opinion and expression; however, Saudi Arabia scored only 25 out of 100 on Freedom House’s 2024 report, ranking among the lowest for internet freedom. The alarming situation continues to raise questions about the future of free expression in the kingdom.
The heart of this issue lies in the stark contrast between Saudi Arabia’s stated commitment to human rights and its actions regarding online freedom of expression. As the country prepares to hold an international forum focused on governance and inclusion in the digital age, it faces criticism for detaining individuals for merely expressing their opinions online. This tension between professed ideals and actual practices sparks international concern over the state of human rights in Saudi Arabia and highlights the consequences of silencing dissent.
In conclusion, the ongoing detentions in Saudi Arabia signify a troubling trend of suppressing online expression. Amnesty International, alongside various rights organizations, calls for the immediate release of detainees, emphasizing that such actions contradict the values promoted at the upcoming IGF. As the nation navigates the complex waters of human rights, the international community watches closely, urging accountability and a commitment to true freedom of expression.
