Additional Name(s): عبدالرحمن السدحان

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia

Ethnic Group: Arab

Religion or Belief: Unspecified

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 20 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: March/12/2018

Date of Sentencing: April/5/2021

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Expression about Religion

Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan

Extra Bio Info:

Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan is imprisoned for his religious expression. 

In March 2018, security agents from the Presidency of State Security arrested Al-Sadhan for operating two anonymous Twitter accounts known for satirical critique of public officials, religious establishments, and the connection between religion and politics in Saudi Arabia. One account assumed the persona of a conservative religious cleric, inspired by a character from a famous Saudi comedy show. 

In April 2021, after a closed-door trial, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced Al-Sadhan to 20 years' imprisonment followed by a 20-year travel ban for “preparing, storing, and sending material prejudicial to religious values," among others related to his online activism.

During detention, Saudi authorities tortured Al-Sadhan. Authorities also failed to provide proper due process during his trial, denied him adequate legal counsel, and subjected him to prolonged periods of solitary confinement. Authorities held Al-Sadhan incommunicado for two years before being allowed to make a one-minute phone call to his family. Following that call, he was held incommunicado for another year, and on at least one occasion after that. Al-Sadhan is a former U.S. resident; his mother and sister are both U.S. citizens.

Publicly Available Information:

Jul 1, 2022

On July 5 and 6, the British government will be hosting the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in London. The conference will bring together government, civil society, faith, and belief groups to agree on action to prevent FoRB violations and abuses and offer ways to protect and promote religious freedom around the world.

British Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Fiona Bruce joins us today to preview the activities at this year’s ministerial and discusses her work with the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) in advancing religious freedom globally.

Learn more about the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Learn more about IRFBA

Jun 24, 2022

USCIRF Releases New Report on Qatar

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Increasing Religious Freedom Restrictions on Baha’is in Qatar: This factsheet enumerates restrictions on Baha’is in Qatar and demonstrates ways in which these restrictions may be systematic. It discusses the non-renewal of residency visas and the community’s difficulties related to securing a cemetery. It also discusses questionable financial charges against a Baha’i leader. The factsheet recommends that the U.S. government collaborate with Qatari officials to address these concerns, and further recommends that Congress confirm swiftly an ambassador to Qatar.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

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