On 26 March, the state-backed Human Rights Commission (HRC) announced that 250 foreign detainees – held on non-violent immigration and residency offences – had been released from detention facilities. A HRC spokesman stated that more releases were to be expected. Previously, on 18 March 2020, Saudi authorities decided to close tribunals for two weeks and suspend visits to prisoners.
- Reuters, “Saudi Arabia Releases 250 Immigration Offenders Amid Coronavirus Outbreak – Statement,” 26 March 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-saudi-prisoners/saudi-arabia-releases-250-immigration-offenders-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-statement-idUKKBN21D1IP
- Middle East Monitor, “Saudi Arabia Frees Hundreds of Prisoners Amid Increase in Covid-19 Cases,” 24 March 2020, www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200324-saudi-arabia-frees-hundreds-of-prisoners-amid-increase-in-covid-19-cases/
- Global Detention Project, Immigration Detention in Saudi Arabia, www.globaldetentionproject.org/countries/middle-east/saudi-arabia
- Prisoners of Conscience (@m3takl_en), Twitter, https://twitter.com/m3takl_en/status/1240198744865415169
