Since late 2024, MEDC has recorded the cases of 48 unjustly detained individuals, including prominent human rights defenders, that have been released from prison in Saudi Arabia. The total number of releases could be as many as 1,000, credible sources tell MEDC. While long overdue, these releases mark a significant step toward reversing an unprecedented crackdown on Saudis exercising their fundamental freedoms. However, hundreds, most likely thousands, remain behind bars in politically motivated cases, including some of the kingdom’s leading activists, academics, and advocates for reform.
MEDC’s latest fact sheet, “The Kingdom’s Captives: Saudi Arabia’s Prisoner Releases and Those Left Behind,” documents both the recent releases and those who continue to face prolonged detention without due process.
This fact sheet is also available in a PDF version here. For further background on recent releases, read our press release from February here.
