49.It was reported that on 16 September 2017, Mr. Issa Al-Hamid, of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA) was arrested, following previous sentences imposed by the Saudi authorities during a crackdown on human rights defenders.The 2017 report of the Secretary-General (see A/HRC/36/31, para. 49 and Annex, paras. 66-67) noted that three special procedures mandate holders took action on the case of Mr. Al-Hamid, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by an 11-year travel ban and a fine of 100,000 Riyals (SAU 8/2016). He was originally sentenced to nine years by the Specialized Criminal Court for having, inter alia “communicated with international organizations in order to harm the image of the State,” a charge that according to special procedures appear to also constitute acts of reprisal for cooperation with the United Nations. His sentence was increased by two years on 1 December 2016 by the Court of Appeal. 50.On 13 December 2016, three special procedures mandate holders raised concerns over allegations of reprisals against Mr. Al-Hamid for cooperating with the United Nations (A/HRC/35/44, SAU 8/2016). In its reply dated 13 February 2017, the Government did not address the case of Mr. Al-Hamid, as a response concerning his case had been provided already in relation to a previous communication (SAU 4/2016) in which the Government informed that he was sentenced by a lower court to nine years of imprisonment and a ban to travel outside the Kingdom for a similar period.The Government did not address the allegations relating to reprisals.

117. The case of Mr. Issa Hamid Al-Hamid, human rights defender and member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), was included in the 2018 and 2017 reports of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/39/41, Annex II, paras. 49–50; A/HRC/36/31, para. 49 and Annex I, paras. 68–69). 81 In its November 2019 opinion, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Mr. Al-Hamid was being detained arbitrarily (A/HRC/WGAD/2019/71, paras. 76, 83, 90, 95), and noted with concern the Government’s reprisals against Mr. Al-Hamid for his reporting to UN human rights mechanisms (para. 93). The Working Group called on the authorities to ensure his immediate release and to provide him compensation and other reparations (para. 100). Mr Al-Hamid is serving an 11-year sentence for having, inter-alia, “communicated with international organizations in order to harm the image of the State.” In its response of 18 September 2019 to the Working Group’s questions, the Government stated that Mr. Al-Nukheifi and Mr. Al-Hamid were duly arrested, tried and convicted in accordance with domestic laws and procedures (A/HRC/WGAD/2019/71, para. 56).

123. The case of Mr. Issa Hamid Al-Hamid, human rights defender and member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), was included in the 2020, 2018 and 2017 reports of the Secretary-General236 related to a sentence of 11 years in prison followed by an 11-year travel ban and a fine of 100,000 Riyals following his cooperation with the UN. In November 2019, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Mr. Al-Hamid’s detention was arbitrary (A/HRC/WGAD/2019/71, paras. 76, 83, 90, 95) noting with concern the Government’s reprisals against Mr. Al-Hamid for his reporting to UN human rights mechanisms (para. 93). The Working Group called on the authorities to ensure his immediate release and to provide him compensation and other reparations (para. 100). On 20 May 2021, special procedures mandate holders raised the case of Mr. Al-Hamid and other human rights defenders expressing concerns about their alleged arbitrary detention and long prison sentencing as well as abuse and torture in connection to their work (SAU 6/2021).