Experts at the United Nations have emphasized that Saudi Arabia must immediately overturn the death sentence issued against Mohammed Al-Ghamdi for his tweets and YouTube activities amidst an ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on September 15, 2023, the experts believe that merely expressing critical opinions online should not meet the minimum threshold required by international law for imposing the death penalty, which should be reserved for the most serious crimes.
The statement was signed by Mr Morris Tidball-Binz, the Special Rapporteur on the extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions, Ms. Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ms. Priya Gopalan (Chair), the Chair of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Mr Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair for Communications), the Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Ms Gana Yudkowsky (Vice-Chair for Follow-up), the Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Ms Miriam Estrada Castill, and Mr Mumba Malila.
The special rapporteurs explained that Al-Ghamdi was arrested in June 2022 and faced criminal charges related to opinions expressed on social media. The charges included "betraying his religion, country, and rulers," "spreading false rumors with the intent to disrupt public order and undermine security," and "supporting terrorist ideology and a terrorist group." Al-Ghamdi was convicted and sentenced to death by the specialized criminal court on July 10, 2023.
The special rapporteurs explained that Al-Ghamdi was arrested in June 2022 and faced criminal charges related to opinions expressed on social media. The charges included "betraying his religion, country, and rulers," "spreading false rumors with the intent to disrupt public order and undermine security," and "supporting terrorist ideology and a terrorist group." Al-Ghamdi was convicted and sentenced to death by the specialized criminal court on July 10, 2023.
The experts also considered Al-Ghamdi's arrest and death sentence as a clear and horrifying message to all those who wish to express themselves freely in Saudi Arabi
The rapporteurs expressed their deep concern over reports indicating that Al-Ghamdi's mental health has deteriorated since his detention, exacerbated by a lack of medical care and the conditions of his confinement. They called on Saudi Arabia to ensure the halt of his execution. The statement concluded that if this sentence were to be carried out, it would constitute a blatant violation of international human rights standards and be considered an arbitrary execution.
The European Saudi Organization for Human Rights points out that Al-Ghamdi's swift and unprecedented sentencing is part of a broader escalation against anyone expressing their opinions in Saudi Arabia. The organization emphasizes that the use of anti-terrorism laws to issue arbitrary judgments is a violation of fundamental human rights. According to their monitoring, at least 63 detainees, including 8 minors, currently face the risk of execution after unfair trials on charges that are not of the gravest nature.