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January 30, 2026 – Saudi Arabia –
Saudi authorities have detained Mohamed (Mohammed) El-Sayed, a well-known program host and media figure, in what press freedom and human rights organisations describe as an arbitrary arrest targeting independent expression. El-Sayed, who hosted programs on media platforms and engaged in public commentary, was taken into custody in late January 2026 amid a broader climate of restriction on critical voices in the country.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), El-Sayed’s arrest follows repeated summons and scrutiny by state authorities over his media work, although specific charges have not been made public. CPJ noted that officials have not transparently communicated legal grounds for detaining El-Sayed nor provided clear evidence of wrongdoing, raising concerns that the action is part of a pattern of harassment against journalists and media figures whose reporting or commentary diverges from official narratives.
The Alliance of Saudi Human Rights Organisations (AoHR) and advocacy group Together for Justice (TAJ) sharply criticised the arrest as arbitrary and politically motivated, urging Saudi authorities to release El-Sayed immediately and to respect basic rights to freedom of expression and due process. Rights defenders pointed out that detentions of media professionals without publicly transparent charges undermine legal standards and contribute to a climate of self-censorship among reporters and commentators.
El-Sayed’s work included hosting current affairs and social commentary that at times touched on sensitive topics, including governance, policy reforms, and social issues within Saudi society. Sources close to his supporters say that his programs resonated with audiences precisely because they offered viewpoints not commonly highlighted in state-run media — a factor analysts suggest could have contributed to official scrutiny. However, authorities have not linked his arrest to any specific statement or publication.
Human rights organisations emphasise that Saudi Arabia’s use of broadly defined security and anti-disinformation laws has frequently been applied to limit public debate and silence dissent. The arbitrary nature of El-Sayed’s detention, coupled with the lack of transparent judicial procedures, has drawn sharp international criticism. Groups advocating for his release have called on the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure accountability, uphold international norms protecting free expression, and provide clear legal justification for any legitimate prosecution.
The case of Mohamed El-Sayed underscores continuing concerns about the treatment of media figures in environments where critical commentary or independent reporting is regarded with suspicion by authorities. Observers warn that detentions of journalists and media hosts without transparent disclosure of charges contribute to a broader erosion of press freedom and inhibit open discourse on matters of public concern.
Reference –
Together for Justice Condemns the Arbitrary Arrest of Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed in Saudi Arabia
