Human rights defender Khaled Al-Omair had been detained by agents of the General Directorate of Investigation (GDI), the secret police in Saudi Arabia (also known as “Mabahith”), after having filed a complaint before the Saudi Royal Court against one of the officers of the GDI, who tortured him during his imprisonment.

The case dates back to 27 December 2008, when Al-Omair announced his intention to protest against the blockade and Israeli aggression against Gaza in Palestine. He was arrested on the morning of the following day by security forces before he could start the demonstration.

On 15 May 2011, he was sentenced by the Specialised Criminal Court in Riyadh to eight years in prison, with a travel ban for the same period after the completion of his sentence. The court found him guilty of inciting demonstrations and calling for them via the internet.

Please find attached the press release

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PR 0712 - Khaled al- Omair - Saudi Arabia