Saudi Arabia Releases 10 Nubian Egyptian Men
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Saudi Arabia: Release 10 Nubian Egyptians Detained for 5 Years
Table of Contents
Saudi authorities should instantly release 10 Nubian Egyptians unjustly detained for over five years, despite recent sentence reductions. Teh case highlights concerns about cultural expression and arbitrary detention in the Kingdom.
What Happened?
Ten Nubian Egyptian men were arrested in Saudi Arabia in July 2020 and held without charge or trial for over a year. The Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in Riyadh initially sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 10 to 18 years on October 10, 2022. On September 6, 2025, the SCC reduced these sentences on appeal, now ranging from 7 to 9 years. However, all 10 men remain in detention.
The Allegations and Concerns
Human Rights Watch alleges that the men were arrested seemingly in reprisal for expressing their cultural heritage. joey shea,Saudi Arabia researcher at Human rights Watch,stated,”As Saudi authorities invest billions into hosting high-profile entertainment and cultural events,they apparently arrested these Nubian men for expressing their cultural heritage.” This juxtaposition raises questions about the Kingdom’s commitment to human rights alongside its modernization efforts.
The appeal session was unexpectedly moved forward. Originally scheduled for September 22, Saudi authorities requested the prisoners’ appearance on September 6 and held the session that day. Families were onyl informed of the reduced sentences on September 11,with prisoners granted only one phone call every two weeks,severely limiting communication.
Background: The Nubian People
Nubians are a minority ethnic group indigenous to the region encompassing parts of present-day Egypt and Sudan.Historically, they have faced discrimination and marginalization in both countries. In egypt, Nubians have experienced displacement due to development projects, such as the Aswan High Dam, and restrictions on their cultural practices and land rights. Amnesty International has documented instances of Nubian activists facing arrest and prosecution for advocating for their rights.
| Country | Estimated Nubian Population (2023) | Key Issues Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Approximately 300,000 | Displacement, land rights, cultural restrictions, discrimination |
| Sudan | Approximately 1.4 million | Marginalization, political exclusion, economic hardship |