In a pivotal moment for human rights advocacy, Saudi Arabian defender Mohammad al-Qahtani has been released after enduring 12 years of unjust imprisonment, which included two years marked by enforced disappearance. His wife, Maha al-Qahtani, joyfully announced his release on January 7, 2025, but revealed he remains under a travel ban and is grappling with serious health issues, including blindness in one eye due to neglect.
Maha emphasized the toll of enforced disappearance; al-Qahtani’s necessary medical operation was postponed multiple times during his wrongful detention. Now, reunited with their family in the U.S., they are fervently seeking his complete freedom. Right Livelihood’s Executive Director, Ole von Uexkull, expressed relief at his release while underscoring the injustice of al-Qahtani’s treatment, questioning who will be held accountable for such violations of human rights.
Al-Qahtani’s activism began in 2013, leading to a decade-long sentence for advocating democracy and human rights. His last communication with his family was a haunting silence before a two-year period of incommunicado captivity ended on November 4, 2024. He was among three courageous individuals awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2018, with his fellow advocates Abdullah al-Hamid, who passed away from neglect, and Waleed Abu al-Khair, who still languishes in prison.
The bittersweet news of al-Qahtani’s release also casts a shadow over the fates of those still imprisoned for their beliefs. von Uexkull reiterated the call for the release of Abu al-Khair and other imprisoned advocates. Right Livelihood has tirelessly collaborated with civil society and al-Qahtani’s family over the years, passionately highlighting his plight through advocacy campaigns and appeals to the UN. Their determination to fight for human rights continues, igniting hope against decades of oppression in Saudi Arabia.
– Mohammad al-Qahtani released after 12 years in prison, including 2 in enforced disappearance. – His health is compromised; he faces a travel ban and blindness in one eye. – Al-Qahtani’s release raises awareness of ongoing injustices against other human rights defenders. – Right Livelihood continues to advocate for fellow defenders like Waleed Abu al-Khair.
The release of Mohammad al-Qahtani marks a significant victory in the battle for human rights, yet underscores the ongoing plight of others still imprisoned for advocating such freedoms. His journey highlights both the resilience of human rights defenders and the critical need to continue the fight for those unjustly held. Advocacy efforts remain vital in seeking justice for all defenders of human rights in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Mohammad al-Qahtani, a prominent Saudi human rights defender, was imprisoned for challenging the oppressive political regime of Saudi Arabia through peaceful advocacy. With the support of organizations like Right Livelihood, al-Qahtani’s situation has drawn international attention, highlighting the broader struggles faced by human rights activists in the region. His release comes amidst ongoing calls for accountability regarding the treatment of such defenders.
Original Source: rightlivelihood.org
