(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned about the arrests of writer Ali Al-Domaini and publisher Mohammed Said Tayib, who are believed to be among several leading Saudi intellectuals to have been detained since 15 March 2004 for criticising the authorities. Ali Al-Domaini and Mohammed Said Tayib are believed to be held […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned about the arrests of writer Ali Al-Domaini and publisher Mohammed Said Tayib, who are believed to be among several leading Saudi intellectuals to have been detained since 15 March 2004 for criticising the authorities. Ali Al-Domaini and Mohammed Said Tayib are believed to be held at the General Intelligence (al-Mabahith al-‘Amma) headquarters in the capital, Riyadh, and are said to have been held incommunicado for some of the time since their arrest. There are concerns for their well-being.
According to PEN’s information, Ali Al-Domaini and Mohammed Said Tayib are among approximately 12 leading Saudi intellectuals to have been detained since 15 March, apparently for criticising the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) and for planning to set up their own human rights organisation. The NCHR is the kingdom’s first human rights watchdog, and was approved in early March by the Saudi government as part of limited steps towards political reform. However, many liberal and opposition figures want to see speedier and more radical change than is being offered by the government. A Ministry of Interior official reportedly announced that the detainees were suspected of issuing “statements which do not serve the unity of the country and the cohesion of society (. . . ) based on Islamic religion”, although no formal charges are believed to have yet been laid. Three detainees were reportedly released on 17 March, but Ali Al-Domaini and Mohammed Said Tayib are thought to be among those who remain in detention.
Ali Al-Domaini is a diabetic and was reportedly held incommunicado without access to his medication for several days following his arrest. His wife was reportedly allowed to visit him on 22 March and reported that he was in good health and had been treated well, though held in solitary confinement. Ali Al-Domaini is a well-known writer, and his publications include three collections of poetry and one novel in Arabic.
International PEN WiPC is seriously concerned about the detention of Ali Al-Domaini and Mohammed Said Tayib, and fears that they may be held solely for the peaceful expression of their opinions, in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
