Ahmed al-Matrood

Additional Name(s): Ahmed al-Matroud, أحمد المطرود

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia

Ethnic Group: Arab

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Sentence: 15 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

Ahmed al-Matrood

Extra Bio Info:

Ahmed al-Matrood is imprisoned for his religious identity and for protesting religious discrimination.

On an unspecified date, authorities arrested al-Matrood for protesting in Al-Qatif governorate against the state's treatment of Shi'a citizens and for documenting these protests on social media. Al-Matrood is reportedly charged under Royal Decree 44/A.

On August 6, 2018, the Public Prosecutor called for the death penalty for al-Matrood and several of his codefendants.

In January 2020, al-Matroud’s eight-year-old daughter passed away while he was detained.

On February 10, 2021, the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh sentenced al-Matrood to 15 years in prison.

Al-Matrood reportedly suffers from problems with his knees and back and has not received adequate medical care. Al-Matrood also alleges he was forced to sign a confession.

Sources:

2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Saudi Arabia U.S. Department of State
“Six activists, including Israa al-Ghomgham, sentenced to lengthy prison terms” ALQST
“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)
“Saudi Arabia: 'Relief' at withdrawal of death penalty against female activist” Amnesty International
“Saudi Activists Face the Death Penalty” Amnesty International