Omar al-Muqbil

Additional Name(s): عمر المقبل

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia

Ethnic Group: Arab

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Increased to 4 Years' Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 6 Months' Imprisonment

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Expression

Nature of Charges: Unknown

Omar al-Muqbil

Extra Bio Info:

Omar al-Muqbil is imprisoned for his religious expression and religious freedom advocacy.

In September 2019, authorities arrested al-Muqbil, a cleric, for a sermon criticizing concerts sponsored by the government’s General Entertainment Authority, calling them a threat to the country’s culture.

The Specialized Criminal Court initially sentenced al-Muqbil to 6 months' imprisonment, and in September 2021, the Supreme Court increased his sentence to 4 years' imprisonment.

Authorities refused to release al-Muqbil when his sentence ended in September 2023. 

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