Israa al-Ghomgham

Additional Name(s): إسراء الغمغام

Gender: Female

Current Location: General Intelligence Prison, Dhamam

Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia

Ethnic Group: Arab

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Increased to 13 Years' Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 8 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: December/6/2015

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

Israa al-Ghomgham

Extra Bio Info:

Israa al-Ghomgham is imprisoned for her religious identity and religious freedom advocacy.

In December 2015, Saudi authorities arrested al-Ghomgham, a well-known Shi'a activist, along with her husband for protesting the state's mistreatment of Shi'a citizens. Prosecutors charged her with “chanting slogans hostile to the regime,” “attempting to inflame public opinion,” “filming protests and publishing on social media,” and “providing moral support to rioters,” among others. 

In February 2021, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced al-Ghomgham to eight years' imprisonment followed by an eight-year travel ban. In October 2022, an appeals court increased al-Ghomgham's sentence to 13 years' imprisonment.

Saudi authorities mistreated al-Ghomgham and denied her access to legal counsel during detention, while prosecutors pushed for her execution during trial.

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