Saudi Arabia: Further Information: Death Sentence for Social Media Posts Commuted: Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi

On 24 September 2024, the appeals chamber of Saudi Arabia’s Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) commuted Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi’s death sentence for his social media posts, resentencing him to 30 years in prison, a ludicrously harsh punishment for exercising his right to free expression. Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, a 55-year-old retired teacher, was sentenced to death by the SCC on 9 July 2023 for his peaceful online activity on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. He was convicted on trumped up terrorism charges for posts in which he criticized the Saudi King and Crown Prince and Saudi’s foreign policy, called for the release of detained religious clerics and protested increased prices. Amnesty International calls on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi. Choose a language to view report English English Spanish Download PDF Campaigns Censorship and Freedom of Expression Detention Internet and Social Media Middle East and North Africa Saudi Arabia Unfair Trials Urgent Action Campaigns Recently added Mozambique: SADC must take strong stand against spiralling police killings and assault on peaceful assembly Sudan: French-manufactured weapons system identified in conflict – new investigation Türkiye: Withdrawal of so-called ‘agents of influence’ law is important victory for civil society Sierra Leone: Authorities must repeal colonial vagrancy laws following historic ECOWAS ruling India: Landmark Supreme Court judgement must serve as a turning point in hate campaign against Muslims Write a letter, change a life Every year, our global community comes together to fight injustice and support people whose human rights are under threat. Join the Write for Rights campaign and demand justice by calling on decision makers to do the right thing.