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: Forced Renunciation of Faith
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 freedom advocacy.
On an unspecified date, Saudi 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. Authorities charged him with violating Royal Decree 44/A of 2014, forced him to sign a confession, and called for the death penalty.
In February 2021, the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh sentenced al-Matrood to 15 years' imprisonment.
Saudi authorities have mistreated al-Matrood, denying him adequate medical care.
Publicly Available Information:
- 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