Mr Al Ghamdi was arrested by Saudi security services on June 11, 2022 and charged with criminal offenses for his views on social media platforms X and YouTube.
The charges included ‘betrayal of his religion, country and rulers’; “spreading false rumors with the intention of disrupting public order and destabilizing security;” and “supporting terrorist ideology and a terrorist group.”
‘Horrible crimes’
On July 10 this year, Saudi Arabia’s Specialized Criminal Court found Mr Al Ghamdi guilty and sentenced him to death. According to the court, Mr Al Ghamdi was severely punished for “heinous crimes” that were allegedly “amplified through a global media platform”.
“The mere expression of critical views online cannot meet the threshold set by international law for imposing the death penalty,” the human rights experts emphasized.
“Under no circumstances do the alleged crimes constitute the ‘most serious’ crimes,” she added.
‘Clear and chilling message’
The experts appointed by the Human Rights Council emphasized that freedom of speech and opinion is crucial for achieving a free and democratic society and sustainable development.
“It is alarming that Saudi Arabia’s penalties for online speech include the death penalty or prison sentences of decades under anti-terrorism laws. These punishments are completely contrary to international law and human rights standards,” the experts said.
“The arrest, detention and sentencing to death of Muhammad Al Ghamdi sends a clear and chilling message to all who wish to express themselves freely in Saudi Arabia.”
‘Flagrant violation’ of human rights
The human rights experts urged the Specialized Criminal Court and other judicial institutions in Saudi Arabia to grant Mr Al Ghamdi a stay of execution, or a temporary halt to legal proceedings.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that Mr Al Ghamdi’s mental health has deteriorated since his detention, exacerbated by the lack of medical care and the conditions of his detention,” the experts said.
“If this sentence is carried out, it would constitute a blatant violation of international human rights standards and will be considered an arbitrary execution.”
Special Rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, work on a voluntary and unpaid basis, are not UN staff and work independently of any government or organization.