Additional Name(s): صالح آل طالب
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Saudi Arabia
Ethnic Group: Arab
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: August//2018
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Saleh Al Talib is imprisoned for expressing religious views criticizing government policies.
In August 2018, authorities arrested Talib, an imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, following a sermon he gave criticizing the government’s General Entertainment Authority for sponsoring concerts and events that contradicted religious and cultural norms.
In February 2022, it was reported that the Specialized Criminal Court had acquitted Talib.
In August 2022, it was reported that the Specialized Criminal Court of Appeal overturned Talib’s acquittal and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
“Saudi Arabia: Former imam of Mecca's Grand Mosque jailed for 10 years” Middle East Eye
Dawn السعودية, Tweet, August 22, 2022
معتقلي الرأي, Tweet, August 22, 2022
معتقلي الرأي, Tweet, February 21, 2022
معتقلي الرأي, Tweet, August 30, 2021
2018 Report on International Religious Freedom: Saudi Arabia U.S. Department of State
“Saudi ‘detains’ Mecca imam who ‘challenged mixed gatherings’” Al Jazeera