On the 15th anniversary of the arrest of Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi, the Washington Center for Human Rights calls on the Saudi Arabian authorities to reveal his fate and release him immediately. Dhaifullah was arrested in 2008 for expressing his opinions on improving the standard of living for his fellow citizens. As a result of severe torture and willful medical negligence, he has been left completely paralyzed and unable to move.
Background
Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi was a young man living in Saudi Arabia when he was arrested in 2008. He had been outspoken in his criticism of the government’s policies and had advocated for the improvement of living conditions for his fellow citizens.
After his arrest, Dhaifullah was subjected to severe torture, including beatings, electrocution, and suspension from the ceiling. He was also denied medical treatment for his injuries, which included a broken spine and ribs.
As a result of this torture and medical neglect, Dhaifullah was left completely paralyzed and unable to move. He has been held in detention ever since, without access to proper medical care or legal representation.
Human Rights Violations
The case of Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi is just one example of the serious human rights violations that are rampant in Saudi Arabia. The country’s justice system is plagued by arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment.
Human rights defenders, journalists, and other activists are routinely targeted by the authorities for their peaceful expression of their opinions. They are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arrest, and are often subjected to unfair trials and lengthy prison sentences.
The Saudi government has taken some steps to improve its human rights record in recent years, including the establishment of a human rights commission and the adoption of a new labor law. However, these measures have been largely cosmetic and have failed to address the root causes of human rights abuses in the country.
Call for Action
The Washington Center for Human Rights calls on the Saudi Arabian authorities to reveal the fate of Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi and release him immediately. The authorities must also take concrete steps to ensure that the country’s justice system is fair and transparent, and that basic human rights and freedoms are respected and protected.
The international community also has a role to play in holding the Saudi government accountable for its actions. Governments and organizations should continue to pressure the Saudi authorities to release Dhaifullah and other arbitrarily detained individuals, and to work towards improving the country’s human rights record.
It is only through sustained and concerted efforts that meaningful change can be achieved in Saudi Arabia, and that the basic rights and freedoms of all individuals are respected and protected.
Conclusion
The case of Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. The Washington Center for Human Rights calls on the Saudi authorities to reveal his fate and release him immediately.
The international community must continue to hold the Saudi government accountable for its actions and work towards improving the country’s human rights record. It is only through sustained and concerted efforts that meaningful change can be achieved in Saudi Arabia, and that the basic rights and freedoms of all individuals are respected and protected.