The Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses serious concern over the detention of Ahmed Kamel, an Egyptian citizen, in Saudi Arabia. The Centre condemns the potential deportation of Kamel to Egypt, where he faces a high risk of torture, ill-treatment, and other human rights violations. The risks involved in his extradition raise significant alarm, as his case involves both political persecution and international human rights law violations.
Kamel was arrested in Saudi Arabia in October 2022 after Egypt issued an extradition request through Interpol. Despite his release after a brief detention, he was arrested again in November 2024 following a second Interpol Red Notice. The Centre strongly opposes any form of extradition that could place Kamel at risk of torture and calls for his immediate release. The action by Saudi Arabia is a direct violation of the principle of non-refoulement, a core protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which Saudi Arabia ratified in 1997.
Kamel’s detention and potential extradition to Egypt are deeply troubling given the widespread use of torture in Egypt, especially against political activists and protesters. His previous experience as a participant in the Arab Spring protests and the resulting torture he endured highlight the grave dangers he would face upon return. Kamel was shot during the protests in 2011 and 2014, leading to long-term health issues, including embedded shrapnel. After being detained and tortured in 2014, he managed to flee to Saudi Arabia, where he has lived since. In 2021, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison in absentia for his involvement in the protests, a punishment that amounts to a life sentence.
It is critical to note that both Saudi Arabia and Egypt are parties to the Riyadh Arab Agreement for Judicial Cooperation, which governs extradition proceedings between signatories. However, this agreement has a restrictive interpretation of political offences, allowing for extradition based on political grounds. This practice contradicts international human rights law, which prohibits the extradition of individuals at risk of facing political persecution or torture.
The United Nations has raised significant concerns about the human rights practices in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The UN Committee Against Torture has criticized Saudi Arabia for not fully adhering to the principle of non-refoulement, citing a lack of national legislation that aligns with international standards on expulsion, refoulement, and extradition. Despite these concerns, the Saudi authorities have not enacted domestic laws to prevent such violations, putting individuals like Kamel at risk.
Furthermore, human rights experts have long condemned the systematic use of torture in Egypt. The UN has consistently raised alarm about the brutal treatment of opposition figures, activists, and protesters. In 2017, the UN Committee Against Torture confirmed that torture is a widespread and systematic practice in Egypt. This was reaffirmed by the UN Human Rights Committee in 2023, which condemned the use of torture and degrading treatment by law enforcement personnel. The use of torture by Egypt’s security forces is well-documented, and it is critical to recognize that Kamel, as a former political activist, is particularly vulnerable to such treatment if he were to be sent back.
The Washington Centre For Human Rights urges the Saudi authorities to consider the grave consequences of extraditing Ahmed Kamel to Egypt. Given the documented history of torture in Egyptian prisons, Kamel’s political background, and the ongoing human rights violations in Egypt, his deportation would constitute a severe violation of his fundamental rights. The Centre calls on Saudi Arabia to adhere to its international obligations under the Convention Against Torture and to prevent the deportation of Kamel, ensuring his safety and well-being.
In addition to the immediate risk of torture, Kamel’s case highlights broader concerns about the political climate in both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The criminalization of dissent, the suppression of peaceful protests, and the systematic use of torture against political activists undermine basic human rights and freedoms. The international community must remain vigilant in holding governments accountable for their treatment of political prisoners, and the Washington Centre For Human Rights stands in solidarity with Kamel and others like him who face unjust persecution.
In conclusion, the Washington Centre For Human Rights urges the authorities in Saudi Arabia to release Ahmed Kamel immediately and to refrain from any actions that would facilitate his deportation to Egypt. The Saudi authorities must respect the international conventions they have ratified and take decisive steps to ensure the protection of individuals who are at risk of torture and inhumane treatment. Kamel’s case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of upholding human rights principles and ensuring that individuals are not subject to political persecution or torture.