Khaled al-Ghanim
Additional Name(s): Khalid al-Ghanim, خالد الغانم
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia
Ethnic Group: Arab
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes
Sentence: 13 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Sentencing: February/10/2021
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Online Activity Protesting Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Identity
Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly Incitement to Commit Crime & Violence Terrorism
Khaled al-Ghanim
Extra Bio Info:
Khaled al-Ghanim is imprisoned for his religious identity and for protesting religious discrimination.
On an unspecified date, authorities arrested al-Ghanim for protesting in Al-Qatif governorate against the state's treatment of Shi'a citizens and for documenting these protests on social media. Al-Ghanim is reportedly charged under Royal Decree 44/A.
On August 6, 2018, the Public Prosecutor called for the death penalty for al-Ghanim and several of his codefendants.
On February 10, 2021, the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh sentenced al-Ghanim to 13 years in prison.
Al-Ghanim reportedly suffers from eye problems and has not received adequate medical care. He also alleges he was forced to sign a confession.
Related Cases: Israa al-Ghomgham, Mousa al-Hashim, Ahmed al-Matrood, Ali al-Ouwaisher, Mujtaba al-Muzai
Sources:
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2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Saudi Arabia U.S. Department of State
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“Six activists, including Israa al-Ghomgham, sentenced to lengthy prison terms” ALQST
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“Two years after start of trial: Violations and delay in the case of six activists; four face the death penalty” European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR)
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“Saudi Arabia: 'Relief' at withdrawal of death penalty against female activist” Amnesty International
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“Saudi Activists Face the Death Penalty” Amnesty International