In a pressing situation, twenty organisations have urged Bulgarian authorities to halt the planned deportation of Saudi human rights defender, Abdulrahman al-Khalidi, back to Saudi Arabia. This action would breach Bulgaria’s, Europe’s, and international obligations not to return individuals to places where they could face torture or inhumane treatment, particularly for someone as influential as al-Khalidi, a vocal critic of the Saudi regime.
The National Security Agency of Bulgaria issued an expulsion order against al-Khalidi in February 2024, which was confirmed by the Sofia Administrative Court later that year. Al-Khalidi’s lawyer asserts that this order cannot be acted upon until his pending asylum cases are fully resolved. The urgency is palpable; Bulgaria must recognise its international legal responsibilities before proceeding with deportation.
Joey Shea from Human Rights Watch voiced concerns, stating that Bulgaria risks complicity in Saudi oppression should it deport al-Khalidi without resolving his asylum status. All eyes are on the Bulgarian and EU officials to prevent this potentially grave violation of legal protections and to ensure al-Khalidi’s safe resettlement elsewhere.
For over a decade, al-Khalidi has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of prisoners and protesting against human rights abuses back in Saudi Arabia. Fleeing his home country in 2013 due to safety fears, he continued his activism abroad, contributing significantly to movements opposing pro-Saudi government narratives online. His arduous journey led him to Bulgaria, where he sought asylum after the shocking murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Tragically, al-Khalidi’s asylum application was rejected in May 2022, as Bulgarian officials incorrectly dismissed the risks he faces in Saudi Arabia, even amidst assurances of emerging democratic reforms. Currently, he awaits a decision on an appeal, with hopes for protection against imminent dangers.
Reports from rights organisations detail poor detention conditions for al-Khalidi in Bulgaria, where allegations of mistreatment abound, including denied medical care. Urgent investigations need to be conducted regarding these abuses, with accountability for those responsible firmly established.
Under the International Convention against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights, Bulgaria is legally obliged to refrain from returning individuals to countries that pose substantial risks of torture or threat to their safety. Additionally, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees prohibits the return of refugees to places where their lives are endangered.
Concerns about Bulgaria’s adherence to these laws resonate deeply, particularly considering al-Khalidi could face severe repercussions if deported. Abdullah Alaoudh from the Middle East Democracy Center highlighted the flaws in Bulgarian authorities’ logic concerning Saudi Arabia’s alleged reforms, affirming that the country still persecutes individuals who oppose its political stance.
Twenty organisations advocate for the suspension of Saudi activist Abdulrahman al-Khalidi’s deportation from Bulgaria to Saudi Arabia, warning that it violates international law against returning individuals at risk of torture. Al-Khalidi’s expulsion order was issued despite a pending asylum case, following a history of his critical activism against the Saudi regime. Rights organisations highlight the inhumane treatment he has faced while detained, urging Bulgaria to respect its obligations and ensure al-Khalidi’s protection.
The plight of Abdulrahman al-Khalidi serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by human rights advocates in oppressive regimes. Bulgaria’s decisions have profound implications not only for al-Khalidi but also for the integrity of international human rights laws. Upholding these principles by halting any deportation could prevent complicit actions against a defender of freedoms endangered by authoritarian oppression. It is imperative that Bulgaria reassesses its position to safeguard lives and uphold justice.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
