Monday, January 06, 2025 

In the most recent Urgent Action letter addressed to Honourable Waleed Mohammed Al Samani, the Minister of Justice of Saudi Arabia, the Union has called for the immediate release of Fahd Ezzi Mohammad Ramadhan, if he is being detained solely for freely expressing his opinion. 

“I believe it’s our responsibility to support individuals like Fahd who face persecution for simply speaking their mind,” reflects Kennedy Baker, Equity Member at Large. “When governments suppress free expression, it threatens justice everywhere.” 

Mr. Ramadhan, a 38-year-old Dutch national, was arrested by Saudi authorities on November 20, 2023, after posting peaceful criticisms of the Saudi Royal Family online. Despite the non-violent nature of his actions, Mr. Ramadhan was held without communication or contact with the outside world for weeks and was denied access to legal counsel until January 1, 2024.  

These actions by Saudi authorities are part of a larger effort to silence critics and stop free speech in the country. Over recent years, Saudi Arabia has faced widespread criticism for its crackdown on journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who peacefully voice dissenting opinions. This pattern of silencing critics through arbitrary detentions and denial of legal rights reflects a troubling disregard for international human rights obligations. 

“Saudi Arabia must uphold its commitment to international human rights standards by releasing Mr. Ramadhan and allowing him to freely express his views” says Baker. 

The Union awaits a response from the Saudi Minister of Justice on this urgent matter. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click here to see the injustices we have addressed previously. For further information about this issue or to view a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator here.