French Researcher Detained in Saudi Arabia Faces Terrorism Charges

Amr Abdelfattah, a 41-year-old French postdoctoral researcher of Egyptian origin, has been detained in Saudi Arabia since June 2024 following an altercation with police near the Mecca Grand Mosque. Initially charged with disrespecting a police officer, he now faces more severe accusations under Saudi anti-terrorism laws, which he denies. Reports indicate that Abdelfattah has endured prolonged incommunicado detention, physical abuse, solitary confinement, and limited access to legal representation. Hearings before the Specialized Criminal Court have been rushed and poorly managed, often excluding his lawyer and French consular support. Despite multiple accusations and harsh conditions, his wife maintains that he is apolitical and innocent. The Saudi and French authorities have not publicly addressed the situation, and Abdelfattah remains imprisoned under increasingly severe conditions.