Dear all,

Last year, you joined us, MENA Rights Group and ALQST for Human Rights, by taking part in the #FreealQahtani campaign, calling for the release of Saudi human rights defender Dr. Mohammad al-Qahtani, 2018 Right Livelihood Laureate, who was forcibly disappeared by the Saudi authorities since October 24, 2022 despite completing an unjust, 10-year sentence for his human rights work.

Today, we are pleased to share with you that after two years and ten days of complete isolation from the outside world, Dr. al-Qahtani was finally able to have a brief call with his loved ones on November 4. While this brings us some relief and is an important step in his case, Dr. al-Qahtani remains behind bars for “additional crimes” he has allegedly committed while serving his first sentence. His case is emblematic of the repression facing human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia, and it is essential that we continue to keep the spotlight on his plight, so that he can be released unconditionally, as soon as possible.

We thank you for the support you provided by signing the petition, which has been instrumental in raising more awareness this past year, and hope that you will continue to remain vocal about Dr. al-Qahtani’s case. Every voice matters in demanding justice, and we must not stay silent until it is achieved. You can find an additional petition to sign here.

To remain involved, you can read more about  Right Livelihood's impact, follow us on X, retweet the news about Dr. al-Qahtani, and join us in supporting ALQST’s essential mission by making a donation to them here. ALQST plays a fundamental role in documenting human rights violations in Saudi Arabia and carries the legacy of all three 2018 Right Livelihood Laureates, by pressuring the authorities for meaningful, democratic reforms.

Thank you and #FreealQahtani,

Right Livelihood