On 28 August 2010, after eight court sessions, the Grievances (Administrative) Court in Riyadh declared itself incompetent in the case filed against the Ministry of Interior regarding the detention of Judge Suliman Ibrahim Al-Reshoudi, who has been detained incommunicado without charge for more than three years.

Further Information

Judge Suliman Al-Reshoudi is a former judge and leading human rights defender, and is a member of the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA).

According to Judge Al-Reshoudi's defense team, the presiding judge announced in the final hearing that on the day before, 27 August 2010, the Grievances Court had received a letter from the Ministry of Interior stating that Suliman Al-Reshuodi and 12 others in the same group had been brought before a competent court in Jeddah. In reply, Judge Al-Reshoudi’s lawyers stated that they had received reports from the defendants’ families that all thirteen detainees were transferred to a separate building inside “Dahban” prison in Jeddah with their hands and legs shackled and were presented before a person who did not identify himself or the entity he represents. This person, presumably a judge, handed each defendant a list of charges against him and asked them all to respond in writing during the next court session which is expected to take place sometime within the next month.

The presiding judge then asked Judge Al-Reshoudi’s lawyers if they acknowledge that their clients have been taken to a competent court. The lawyers answered "no" and presented a three-page memorandum with five annexes to the court. The judge finally pronounced the ruling, which “dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction.” The judge instructed Judge Al-Reshoudi’s lawyers to attend court on 6 October 2010 to receive a copy of the official ruling, and the lawyers can by then submit their possible objection and appeal.

Although it is noted that the Ministry of Interior has finally decided to bring human rights defender Judge Al-Reshoudi and his colleagues before a court after more than three years of arbitrary and unjustified detention, Front Line is gravely concerned regarding the reports that that the first session of trial was held in camera and without the presence of the defendants' lawyers. This raises serious concerns regarding the defendants' enjoyment of their right to a fair trial.

Front line calls on the authorities in Saudi Arabia to release human rights defender Judge Suliman Al-Reshoudi and his colleagues as it is believed that these measures have been taken against them solely as a result of their peaceful activities calling for reforms and the promotion of human rights.

Please see previous Front Line Update on the case. The full report and documents by the defence team can be accessed at: http://www.acpra6.org/news_view_77.html