Today, now more than a year and three months after his arrest, Alkarama sent his case to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requesting its intervention with Saudi Arabian authorities on Bilal Abu Haikal's behalf.

Alkarama had previously sent Bilal's case to the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) on 15 October 2009 in aftermath of his disappearance, which was eventually examined by the Working Group later that year. The WGEID subsequently sent Bilal's case to the Saudi Arabian authorities requesting further information.

Following his arrest, his family were unable to contact Bilal until they received a phone call from him in March 2010 - he told them he was being held in Al-Hayr prison in Riyadh. His family was finally able to visit him in April 2010, however he was moved to Abha prison shortly thereafter, in southern Saudi Arabia, where he remains unto this day.

Contrary to Article 36 of Saudi Arabian Basic Law, Bilal Abu Haikal has been unable to contest the legality of his detention. Bilal's family have tried to discuss the legality of his case with the Saudi Interior Minister, Prince Nayef bin Muhammad, however they have received no official reply.

Alkarama has requested that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention render an opinion regarding arbitrary nature of Bilal Abu Haikal's detention. The Saudi Arabian authorities should put an end to his detention, by immediately releasing him or bringing him to trial. Furthermore, Bilal Abu Haikal should receive the appropriate compensation for the period of his arbitrary detention.

It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is a member of the Human Rights Council since 2009.