Saudi Activist Abdulrahman al-Khalidi Faces Deportation from Bulgaria

Abdulrahman al-Khalidi, a Saudi activist, faces imminent deportation from Bulgaria, with his asylum claim unprocessed. Detained for over three years, he risks torture if returned to Saudi Arabia. Legal rulings have ordered his release, but Bulgarian authorities have resisted, claiming national security grounds. This situation highlights violations of refugee law and sets a concerning precedent for asylum seekers.

Abdulrahman al-Khalidi, a prominent Saudi human rights defender and journalist, is facing imminent deportation from Bulgaria while his asylum claim is still pending. Detained for over three and a half years despite two court rulings for his release, he is at significant risk of arrest and torture upon return to Saudi Arabia, according to his legal representatives.

Al-Khalidi has been vocal in advocating for democratic reforms in Saudi Arabia and was part of the online activism group associated with the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Recently, he was moved to the migration section of the Busmantsi Detention Centre in preparation for deportation. Al-Khalidi reported that during his transfer, he was not provided with any documentation in a language he understood and was physically restrained by officials, further compounding his distress.

His asylum claim has faced multiple challenges; a Bulgarian court initially rejected it in 2021, asserting that Saudi Arabia was making efforts towards democratization. Since then, Khalidi has faced significant legal setbacks. The Supreme Court of Bulgaria found procedural errors in handling his case, which has been sent back for reconsideration. Despite these legal battles and two court orders for his release, Khalidi remains detained, with his most recent release order being overturned by the National State Security Agency.

Campaign group Migrant Solidarity Bulgaria has condemned Khalidi’s potential deportation, arguing that it contravenes both Bulgarian and international refugee laws. They assert that his detention cannot be justified on national security grounds, as such provisions should only apply after a final asylum determination has been made. They also highlighted that this situation may set a troubling precedent for asylum seekers in Bulgaria, undermining the rule of law.

Abdulrahman al-Khalidi’s situation underscores serious concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers in Bulgaria, where his prolonged detention contradicts both national and international legal standards. The imposition of national security claims without a final decision on his asylum request raises significant ethical and legal questions, thereby threatening the rights of all individuals seeking refuge. This case calls for urgent action and scrutiny to uphold the rule of law.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net