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| Saudi Arabia: Ali Al-Domaini |
Professional Background
Ali Al-Domaini is a poet and writer whose publications include three collections of poetry and one novel in Arabic. As a political activist, he has campaigned for a move to constitutional monarchy and democracy in Saudi Arabia.
Case History
In March 2004, Al-Domaini was detained along with 11 other leading Saudi intellectuals for criticizing the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) and for planning to set up their own human rights organization. The NCHR, the kingdom's first human rights watchdog, was approved in early March by the Saudi government. However, many liberal and opposition figures wanted to see speedier and more radical change than that being offered by the government. A Ministry of the Interior official reportedly announced that the detainees were suspected of issuing "statements which do not serve the unity of the country and the cohesion of society… based on Islamic religion.”
Eight of the other detainees were subsequently released, but Al-Domaini is thought to be among those charged after refusing to sign a document renouncing their political activism. Al-Domaini is accused by the authorities of threatening national unity, doubting the independence of the Saudi judiciary, organizing meetings and justifying violence, amongst other charges. His trial reportedly started on August 9, 2004 at an Islamic court in Riyadh. This was thought to be the first public political trial in Saudi history. The trial was initially adjourned in October 2004, when all three defendents refused to answer questions in a closed hearing. The trial resumed the following year and on May 15, 2005 Al-Domaini was sentenced to 9 years in prison for "disseminating news.” His co-defendants, Matrook Bin Hayes Al Faleh and Abdulla Bin Hamid Al Hamid were sentenced to 6 and 7 years respectively. In addition to their sentences all three were required to sign a document promising to halt any behavior that would “prejudice the general good of the public and the country” and to halt any activity that would “be detrimental to the unity of the country and its security.”
Current Status
On August 8, 2005, newly crowned King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia issued a royal pardon to Ali Al-Domaini and his two co-defendants and ordered their immediate release from prison. Reportedly, Al-Domaini has no passport, which prevents him from traveling outside the country. In addition, the Saudi government has denied Al-Domaini the right to work.
PEN considers the continued harassment of Al-Domaini to be in direct conflict with the ideas of freedom of expression outlined in Article 19 of the International Covenant and Civil and Political Rights and is calling for the return of Al-Domaini's passport and the restoration of his right to work.
Please write a polite letter on your personal or institutional letterhead requesting that Al-Domaini be permitted to work and that his passport be returned--or copy the one below--and mail to His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh (postage 90˘) and to His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America (postage 41˘).
[Date]
His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud Ministry of the Interior
P.O.Box 2933
Airport Road
Riyadh 11134
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 403 1185
Your Excellency,
I am writing to express my grave and urgent concern over the continued harassment of Ali Al-Domaini. While I welcome Al-Domaini's recent release from prison on August 8, 2005, I am still disturbed at some recent actions taken against him. Al-Domaini is currently being denied the right to work as well as being denied his passport. PEN feels that this harassment is in direct violation of Al-Domaini's right to freedom of expression as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Please, in the spirit of humanity, order the cessation of all harassment against Al-Domaini.
Sincerely,
[Your name and signature]
Cc: His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh
Minister of Justice
University Street
Riyadh 11137
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fax: + 966 1 401 1741
His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington DC 20037
Fax: (202) 944-5983
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April 4, 2005:
Jailed Saudi author, murdered Gambian publisher to receive 2005 PEN Award |
May 6, 2005:
Verdict Imminent In Trial Testing Saudi Tolerance For Reform |
May 15, 2005:
Writers Condemn Conviction of Poet, Two Other Reform Advocates In Saudi Arabia |
July 25, 2005:
Writers condemn sentences against Saudi reformers, call for increased pressure |
August 8, 2005:
PEN Hails Release of Saudi Reformers |
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