Human Rights Watch Appeals Against Extradition of Egyptian National from Saudi Arabia
Human Rights Watch urges Saudi Arabia to refrain from extraditing Ahmed Kamel, an Egyptian citizen, to Egypt, citing serious risks of arbitrary detention and torture. Detained in Jeddah, Kamel was sentenced in absentia in Egypt for participation in protests. His case reflects systemic abuse in both countries’ justice systems, with calls for his immediate release and respect for human rights obligations.
Saudi Arabia is urged to refrain from extraditing an Egyptian national, Ahmed Kamel, who faces severe risks of arbitrary detention and torture in Egypt, according to Human Rights Watch. Kamel was detained in Jeddah on November 13, 2024, amidst a reported extradition request from Egypt stemming from his conviction in absentia for participating in peaceful anti-government protests in 2014. Since then, concerns about his safety have escalated following communication from Saudi authorities regarding an exit visa.
Amnesty International advocates for Kamel’s immediate release and voices objections to his extradition, citing ongoing human rights violations within Egypt’s legal system. On January 22, 2025, Kamel was moved to the al-Shumaisi immigration detention center, heightening fears of imminent deportation. The Saudi officials summoned Kamel without revealing any formal charges, only stating that Egypt requested his extradition via Interpol.
Despite Interpol’s confirmation indicating that no active warrant existed against Kamel, Saudi authorities have consistently failed to provide his legal team with the case file or any explicit reasons for his detention. He is reported to have previously faced torture and adverse conditions during his 2014 arrest due to his political activism.
Kamel’s absence from legal proceedings led to a life sentence handed down by an Egyptian court in December 2021 for charges including incitement and organizing demonstrations. Human Rights Watch highlights similar historical cases where Egyptian nationals in Saudi Arabia faced wrongful detention and extradition requests, asserting the ongoing need for safeguards against such practices.
The organization reiterates that any extradition would breach international obligations against torture and cruel treatment under the United Nations Convention. Experts stress that Kamel risks severe human rights abuses, including torture, due process violations, and lack of fair trial guarantees if sent back to Egypt. The call to action emphasizes that Saudi Arabia should prioritize human rights improvements by halting Kamel’s extradition.
In summary, Ahmed Kamel’s potential extradition to Egypt poses significant risks related to human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and torture. As a participant in peaceful protests, Kamel was wrongfully sentenced in absentia amidst a context of systemic abuses within both the Egyptian and Saudi legal systems. Human Rights Watch and other advocates are calling for Kamel’s immediate release and a cessation of extradition processes, affirming the need for adherence to international human rights standards.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
