Human rights organizations, including the SANAD Organization for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch, recently raised concerns about the treatment of older prisoners in Saudi Arabia. These groups have called on the Saudi government to address instances of mistreatment and medical neglect, spotlighted by a recent incident where Saudi authorities denied a UN expert access to these prisoners.
During an April visit, UN Independent Expert Claudia Mahler attempted to visit elderly inmates at Al-Ha’ir Prison. Despite her efforts, Mahler was unable to fulfill her mandate due to restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities. The denial of access was at odds with the Terms of Reference for country visits, which generally allow UN mandate holders confidential contact with prisoners.
Reports have surfaced over time, indicating a consistent pattern of ill-treatment and medical neglect inside Saudi prisons. The risk is heightened for older prisoners because of their deteriorating health conditions. Notably, the death of 70-year-old Qasim al-Qathrdi, an academic detained at Al-Ha’ir, was attributed to “apparent deliberate medical neglect.” His death underlines the urgency of the call to action by various human rights organizations.
Samer Alshumrani, operations manager at SANAD, stressed the need for urgent intervention, advocating for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained and the provision of proper medical care for imprisoned individuals.
Saudi Arabia’s criminal justice practices have come under international scrutiny recently, notably after a surge in executions for drug-related offenses. Both the rise in execution rates and the treatment of older prisoners illustrate a broader concern over human rights within the kingdom.
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