Today, Abdul karim Al-Khodr, a long-standing Saudi human rights defender, was sentenced to eight years in prison and a 10-year travel ban. Alkarama is deeply concerned by the acts of reprisals against ACPRA human rights defenders, especially those who cooperate with the United Nations. We call on the Saudi authorities to release Dr Al-Khodr, who is detained solely for his human rights activities.

Yahya Hussein Ahmad Shaqibel, a 33 year-old Yemeni national, was arrested in October 2009 by unidentified Malaysian security forces on demand of Saudi intelligence services (Mabahith) while on a business trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was then transferred to Saudi Arabia where he was arrested upon arrival in Riyadh. After almost four years of arbitrary detention, he is now accused of 'khariji' and terrorism and is awaiting his verdict.

On 10 June, dozens of women and children in the Saudi cities of Al-Jawf, Ha'il, Mecca, Riyadh, Buraydah and other areas came out in a nationwide protest that they named the "Freedom Sit-In". These women were calling for the release of their imprisoned sons - many of whom have been detained for more than 10 years without formal or legal documentation or trial - and an end to the physical and psychological torture as well as the denial of medical treatment which many are subjected to during their detention.

Fawzan Mohsen Oud Al-Harbi, acting president of the Saudi Association for Civil and Political Rights (ACPRA) told Alkarama that he was summoned to appear tomorrow 11 May 2013 before the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution in Riyadh. This follows several years of reprisal campaigns launched by the Saudi authorities against human rights defenders, including ACPRA members and the group known as the 'Reformists'. This campaign has intensified following the rhythm of peaceful demonstrations organized over the last months throughout the kingdom by families of detainees calling for the release of their relatives, as well as the dismissal and trial of the Interior Minister.