Human Rights Watch has urged Saudi Arabia to refrain from extraditing Ahmed Kamel to Egypt, where he faces potential torture and unfair trial. Detained since November 2024 based on an alleged extradition request, Kamel was sentenced in absentia for peaceful protests. The organization highlights ongoing abuses in both countries’ legal systems, stressing the need for Kamel’s immediate release.
Saudi authorities are urged not to extradite Ahmed Kamel, an Egyptian national, as he faces significant risks of detention and torture in Egypt. Detained since November 13, 2024, in Jeddah, Kamel’s arrest is linked to an extradition request from Egypt, following a life sentence handed down in absentia by an Egyptian court for peacefully protesting in 2014. On December 12, 2024, Kamel was informed by Saudi police that he had received an exit visa, raising concerns about his imminent deportation.
Kamel was held at an immigration detention center, exposing him to the grave risk of deportation. Previously, in November, he had voluntarily reported to police after being summoned and was subsequently detained without any disclosed charges. Interpol later confirmed that there were no active data concerning Kamel from Egypt, contradicting the claims made by Saudi authorities regarding the extradition request.
Despite multiple requests, Kamel’s family has been denied access to his case file and remained uninformed about the reasons for his detention. Kamel, who faced violence during the 2011/2013 protests in Egypt, was previously tortured while detained in 2014. He relocated to Saudi Arabia for work in 2015, further complicating his existing legal predicament.
Kamel’s life sentence in Egypt is based on his involvement in protests against the government, specifically charges of incitement and participation in demonstrations. His situation reflects the broader pattern of arbitrary detentions faced by Egyptians in Saudi Arabia, which has seen several individuals detained on similar charges of dissent against the Egyptian regime.
Human Rights Watch has criticized Saudi Arabia for its flawed criminal justice practices, including unfair trials and mistreatment of detainees. The organization has also condemned abuses within Egypt’s legal system, asserting that Kamel’s extradition could lead to violations of his rights, including potential torture if returned.
The precarious nature of Kamel’s case is emblematic of the threats faced by those critical of authoritarian regimes. Should Kamel be forcibly returned to Egypt, he may encounter severe breaches of due process, possibly culminating in torture. Human Rights Watch calls for Saudi authorities to prioritize human rights by releasing Kamel and halting his extradition, thereby demonstrating a commitment to international law principles.
In summary, the case of Ahmed Kamel underscores significant concerns about human rights violations in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. His risk of arbitrary detention, potential torture, and the lack of proper legal procedure highlight the urgent need for Saudi authorities to prevent his extradition. It is imperative for the international community to advocate for Kamel’s release to uphold human rights obligations.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
