British Analyst Jailed in Saudi Arabia Faces Deteriorating Health

Ahmed Al-Doush, a British business analyst from Manchester, has been held in Saudi Arabia since August 2024. His detention is reportedly linked to social media posts made several years ago. Human rights organisation Amnesty International stated that Al-Doush's trial was unfair and violated his freedom of expression.

Al-Doush was arrested at Riyadh airport while travelling with his pregnant wife and three children. His wife, Amaher Nour, told the BBC that their children frequently ask about their father. She has explained his absence by saying he is working, as she does not want them to believe he has done something wrong.

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According to Nour, Al-Doush is struggling mentally and has undertaken multiple hunger strikes. He has also reportedly been warned against discussing his health or legal case. His legal team in the UK has stated they have not been permitted to see any legal documents related to his case, including the judgment.

Trial and Sentence

Al-Doush's lawyer, Haydee Dijkstal, indicated that his questioning may have concerned tweets from 2018 about Sudan and his association with the son of a UK-based Saudi dissident. He was reportedly held for five months without charge and interrogated without legal representation before his sentencing in May 2025 by Saudi Arabia's Specialised Criminal Court. The court is understood to have convicted him of spreading fake news against the government via social media. Human rights groups have described the court as a political instrument using broad counterterrorism and cybercrime legislation.

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In April, Al-Doush's sentence was reduced to five years following an appeal. However, his physical and mental health continue to deteriorate, according to his wife. Amnesty International reported that he is held in an overcrowded cell and that his phone calls home have been restricted.

“His health is now in crisis, and every day he remains detained is another day of unconscionable injustice inflicted not just on him, but on four young children who are growing up without their father.”

Eilidh Macpherson, Amnesty International UK

International Scrutiny and UK Response

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded in March that Al-Doush's detention was arbitrary under international law, citing violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The group called for his release, stating the government had not provided sufficient evidence of him posing a violent threat. Saudi authorities told the UN group that evidence showed Al-Doush committed terrorist crimes, including supporting terrorist ideology.

The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that Al-Doush's case has been raised with Saudi authorities. Current UK travel advice for Saudi Arabia warns that comments deemed disruptive to public order, including those on the royal family or political issues, can lead to long prison sentences, even if made years ago or outside the country.

Amaher Nour appealed directly to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in May for clemency on humanitarian grounds, citing Al-Doush's deteriorating health and his need to be reunited with his young children. She urged the UK government to support this request and recognise the UN's findings.