Human Rights Watch urged Saudi Arabia to refrain from extraditing Ahmed Kamel to Egypt, where he risks arbitrary detention and torture due to prior political activism. Kamel was arrested amidst claims of an Interpol extradition request related to his involvement in protests. The organization highlighted the potential violation of international laws regarding treatment of detainees, given Egypt’s track record of human rights abuses.
Human Rights Watch urged Saudi authorities not to extradite Egyptian citizen Ahmed Kamel to Egypt, where he faces significant risks of arbitrary detention and torture. Kamel was arbitrarily detained in Jeddah on November 13, 2024, amid claims of an extradition request from Egypt. His family reported that he was sentenced to life imprisonment in abstentia by an Egyptian court for his involvement in peaceful protests in 2014.
Kamel was moved to al-Shumaisi detention center on January 22, 2025, heightening fears of imminent deportation. He was summoned to a Jeddah police station shortly before his detention, where authorities informed him of Interpol’s extradition request linked to undisclosed charges. However, Interpol later clarified that there were no records pertaining to Kamel from Egypt.
Despite numerous requests, Saudi authorities have failed to share Kamel’s case file or provide official reasons for his detention. All communications regarding his situation have been verbal, lacking transparency. Kamel, who sustained injuries during protests in Egypt, previously endured torture during a past arrest in 2014.
His sentencing in absentia in December 2021 was based on charges including “organizing a demonstration” and “participation in a demonstration.” Saudi authorities had also detained him briefly in October 2022 on claims related to kidnapping charges from Egypt’s requests, which Kamel denied.
Human Rights Watch highlighted widespread abuses in Saudi Arabia’s criminal justice system, marking their concern for Kamel’s potential extradition as it violates international obligations against torture. The organization has likewise emphasized Egypt’s oppressive treatment of dissenters, warning that if extradited, Kamel could face grave violations and unsafe detention conditions.
Ahmed Kamel’s case underscores critical human rights concerns regarding extradition practices between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially in light of the potential for torture and fair trial violations under Egypt’s legal system. Authorities should heed international obligations concerning the treatment of detainees and prioritize Kamel’s safety by halting his extradition and providing necessary legal protections.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
