Amnesty International urges Saudi Arabia to release individuals detained for expressing their views online as the country prepares for the UN Internet Governance Forum. A petition highlighting these cases has gathered over 100,000 signatures. The forum aims to discuss human rights in the digital age while the Saudi government continues to imprison dissidents, raising concerns about safety for participants.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from December 15 to 19, 2023, Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of individuals detained solely for exercising their freedom of online expression. Despite the forum’s emphasis on advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital era, numerous individuals, including human rights advocates and professionals, remain imprisoned for voicing their opinions online.

The preparations for the IGF have garnered significant attention, especially since a petition advocating for the release of the detained individuals has accumulated over 100,000 signatures, submitted to Saudi embassies globally by Amnesty International activists. Alarmingly, however, many detainees continue to experience harsh conditions, including allegations of torture and inhumane treatment. Recently, Manahel al-Otaibi, a fitness trainer and women’s rights proponent, was informed that her 11-year sentence was upheld, primarily due to her online advocacy, including her criticism of the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia.

Amnesty International highlights the precarious situation of both domestic and foreign individuals who express dissenting views online. The organization points to a recent incident involving Fahd Ezzi Mohammed Ramadhan, a Dutch-Yemeni citizen detained shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the risks faced by those criticizing the Saudi authorities. Given these threats, many civil society representatives are hesitating to attend the IGF, fearing retaliation or harassment.

In light of the upcoming forum, Amnesty International insists that the IGF organizing committee demands assurances from Saudi officials to guarantee that participants will not face reprisals for their expressions. The organization is committed to drawing attention to the situation in Saudi Arabia by sending a delegation to engage in dialogues with authorities about the ongoing human rights abuses within the kingdom.

Amnesty International’s campaigners advocate for the release of a number of political prisoners, including Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, Mohammad al-Qahtani, and Salma al-Shehab, emphasizing the urgent need for genuine reform. They urge Saudi authorities to align their actions with their proclaimed commitment to human rights by ceasing arbitrary detentions and facilitating the operation of independent human rights organizations in the country. This call for action reflects a critical juncture for Saudi Arabia to transform its rhetoric on reform into substantive changes that respect human rights.

Saudi Arabia is currently positioning itself as a leader in discussions surrounding internet governance and human rights, particularly as it prepares to host the IGF. The forum, scheduled for December 2023, will highlight pressing issues concerning human rights in the digital landscape, amidst ongoing reports of severe human rights violations by the Saudi state. Despite these discussions, numerous individuals are facing severe penalties for simply expressing their opinions online, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to upholding the very values it purports to champion at the IGF.

In summary, as Saudi Arabia approaches the hosting of the IGF, it faces international scrutiny over its persistent human rights abuses, particularly concerning the detention of individuals for online expression. Amnesty International’s calls for the immediate release of these individuals spotlight the hypocrisy of the Saudi leadership during a forum that purports to advocate for human rights. Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reform by unconditionally releasing political prisoners and engaging in meaningful dialogue with human rights organizations.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org

Related posts:

Tulsi Gabbard’s Advocacy for Hindu Rights in Bangladesh and Pakistan Beijing Confirms MNDAA Leader’s Medical Visit Amidst Arrest Reports Silicon Valley Indian Americans Rally for Hindus’ Rights in Canada and Bangladesh UAE Arrests Three Uzbek Nationals in Connection with Rabbi’s Murder