The Gulf Centre for Human Rights is gravely concerned for the wellbeing of Sheikh Suliaman Al-Rashudi, a prominent human rights defender, lawyer and former judge, head of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA). The information received today reveals that Sheikh Suliaman Al-Rashudi is still in solitary confinement since his arrest on 12 December 2012 and has been denied access to his family.

The Gulf Centre for Human Rights believes that the continued detention and harassment of   Sheikh Suliaman Al-Rashudi is directly related to his legitimate and non-violent work in defence of human rights, in particular the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. The Gulf Centre for Human Rights is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Sheikh Suliaman Al-Rashudi, as well as that of his family.

The GCHR urges the authorities in Saudi Arabia to:

1. To secure the well being of Sheikh Suliaman Al-Rashudi and provide him with the necessary treatment;

2. To end solitary confinement and allow him regular communications and family visits;

3. To release him since the detention is related to his non-violent activities as a human Rights defender;

4. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in KSA are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

 For further information and taking action kindly see our Urgent Action issued on 16 December 2012:

https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/301