Since his arrest, Alkarama has been closely following Dr Al-Bachr's case. On 23 December 2010, Alkarama called on the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary detention to remind Saudi Arabia that his continued arbitrary detention constitutes a serious violation of Saudi Arabia's obligations under national as well as international law. Alkarama calls for the immediate release of Dr Al-Bachr.
Background information
On the evening of 15 March 2007, around 15 officers of the Saudi Investigative Police (Al-Mabahith Al-Amma) in plain clothes and civilian cars came to Dr Al-Bachr's place of residence to arrest him. Without being shown a warrant or being advised of the reason for his arrest, he was taken to an unknown location. Despite numerous attempts to get information regarding Dr Al-Bachr's fate and whereabouts from the Saudi authorities, his family was left with no news for the following 9 months.
Detention conditions and ill-treatment
In December 2007, Dr Al-Bachr was allowed to receive a single visit from his family. Detained in Al-Alisha detention centre, he was subjected to ill-treatment and held in prolonged solitary confinement. After this one visit, his family was again unable to directly communicate with Dr Al-Bachr for months. During this period, his detention conditions further deteriorated. He continued to be detained in isolation and was transferred to a freezing underground cell. He was kept handcuffed and blindfolded over long periods of time. Despite his alarming health condition, Dr Al-Bachr never received appropriate medical treatment.
Current situation
Recently, Dr Al-Bachr was transferred to Al-Hayr prison near Riyadh. He receives monthly visits from his family, however Dr Al-Bachr still does not have access to legal counsel, nor has he been brought before a judge since his arrest. He has been detained for 3 years and 9 months without being charged, sentenced and without knowing when he will be released.