Saudi writer detained for calling for political reforms

Saudi Arabian writer Zuhair Al-Kutbi was arrested in mid-July following his participation in a TV show calling for political reforms in the kingdom, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.

According to Human Rights Watch, Al-Kutbi was arrested “following a TV interview in which he discussed his ideas for peaceful reform.”

The organisation said: “[Saudi] authorities apparently questioned him about his television appearance, which had attracted considerable attention on social media.”

It added: “Saudi authorities have been holding Kutbi, 62, a Makkah-based writer and commentator, apparently without charge, and have not brought him before a judge.” It called on the authorities to charge him with a “recognisable crime or release him immediately”.

Meanwhile, HRW Deputy Middle East Director Joe Stork said: “Saudi authorities apparently have little better to do than to harass and jail people for nothing other than peacefully expressing their opinions.”

He added: “It is time for King Salman [of Saudi Arabia] to put an end to this escalating repression and release all peaceful activists and writers.”

According to HRW, Al-Kutbi worked as a consultant with the local Makkah municipality. His writings over the years resulted in his being arrested at least six times; Saudi activists told the human rights group.

HRW reported a member of Al-Kutbi’s family saying that his latest arrest followed an hour-long appearance on the television programme Fi Al-Sameem (In-Depth), which aired on 22 June on the pan-Arab satellite TV channel Rotana Khaleejia.

During the interview, Kutbi spoke about what he regarded as necessary reforms in Saudi Arabia, including transforming the country into a constitutional monarchy and combatting religious and political repression.