Saudi Artist Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Political Cartoons
London-based Sanad Human Rights Organisation has reported that Saudi artist Mohammed al-Hazza has been sentenced to over 20 years in prison for producing political cartoons that allegedly insulted the Saudi leadership.
The Case Against Al-Hazza
Al-Hazza, 48, was arrested in February 2018 during a violent raid on his home in Saudi Arabia. The charges against him were based on "offensive cartoons" he produced for the Qatari newspaper Lusail, as well as social media posts that were allegedly "hostile" to Saudi Arabia and supportive of Qatar.
A Brief History of the Case
Hazza’s arrest came less than a year after Saudi Arabia and several allies cut ties with Qatar, claiming it supported extremists and was too close to Iran – allegations that Doha denied. The countries mended ties in January 2021.
Initially, Hazza was sentenced to six years in prison. However, just as he was preparing to be released, the case was reopened, and he was re-sentenced to 23 years.
Concerns Over Freedom of Expression in Saudi Arabia
The case against Hazza is just one example of the many concerns over freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized for its strict limits on online speech. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country has seen a rise in arrests and convictions of individuals for their online activities.
UN Report in April Highlights Worsening Situation
In April, human rights groups Amnesty International and ALQST reported that the Saudi judiciary had convicted and handed down lengthy prison terms on dozens of individuals for their expression on social media, citing a politicised and non-independent judiciary.
Conclusion
The case of Mohammed al-Hazza serves as a stark reminder of the suppressive nature of freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia. Despite the country’s efforts to open up to tourism and investors, the background of political cartoonist being sentenced to 23 years in prison highlights the ongoing restrictions on online speech.
FAQs
- Who is Mohammed al-Hazza? A 48-year-old Saudi artist who was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 23 years in prison for producing political cartoons that allegedly insulted the Saudi leadership.
- What was he accused of? Producing "offensive cartoons" for the Qatari newspaper Lusail and social media posts that were allegedly "hostile" to Saudi Arabia and supportive of Qatar.
- What is the current status of free speech in Saudi Arabia? Censored, with many individuals arrested and convicted for their online activities.