Saudi Arabia: Dozens freed but arrests continue
Recent prisoner releases offer little comfort as authorities continue to target and arbitrarily arrest critics, with many still behind bars for merely exercising their right to free expression.
Internet activists sentenced to prison while security agreement made with Saudi Arabia
The sentencing of internet activists signals a deeper crackdown on online dissent and digital freedoms in Qatar.
Salma Al-Shehab released after four years in prison, among hundreds imprisoned for posts on X
The woman human rights defender was released along with several people, including social media influencers, imprisoned for their online free expression.
Concerns mount over flawed Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 human rights assessment
A global law firm’s problematic review of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid ignores a dire human rights record.
ADHRB addresses human rights violations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Concerns were raised at the 57th UN Human Rights Council about repression in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, urging accountability and safeguarding free expression.
Saudi Arabia: Escalating use of the death penalty with 200 executions this year
Rights groups warn that authorities have weaponized the use of the death penalty as a tool to repress freedom of expression in the country.
Six years on: Still no justice for Jamal Khashoggi
Khashoggi’s murder has become emblematic of a global pattern of impunity for crimes against journalists and the alarming rise of transnational repression.
Saudi Arabia must free detainees jailed for their online expression ahead of Internet Governance Forum
Rights groups raise alarms over the country’s crackdown on free speech ahead of its hosting of the 2024 UN event.
Escalating crackdown on free speech in the Gulf
Gulf states silence critics with harsh prison sentences and deportations, using vague laws to crack down on online dissent.
Saudi teacher sentenced to 20 years for tweets
“Saudi courts mete out decades long sentences to ordinary citizens for nothing more than peacefully expressing themselves online.”
Saudi Arabia’s digital hypocrisy
As the country prepares to host the UN’s Internet Governance Forum, online voices continue to face severe repercussions.
Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN Women’s Rights Forum: Analyzing the absurdity of the decision
For years, the Kingdom has arrested women’s rights activists who campaigned to end the male guardianship system.
Examining press freedom across GCC states
Repressive media laws in Gulf Cooperation Countries reflect concerning press freedom trends.
Joint Statement: Internet Governance Forum must reverse decision to make Saudi Arabia its next host
In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, IFEX and other signatories stress that hosting the next IGF in Saudi Arabia will severely undermine civil society’s ability to participate in the annual meeting, given the great risks to physical and digital safety and security it will pose.