Human Rights Watch (HRW) has intensified its call for the immediate and unconditional release of ten Egyptian Nubian men detained in Saudi Arabia since July 2020. These men, prominent figures within the Nubian community in Riyadh, were arrested for their roles in promoting Nubian culture and heritage through the Dahmit Nubian Village Association, an unlicensed cultural group.

Initially held without charges or trial for over a year, the detainees were eventually sentenced by the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in October 2022 on multiple charges, including the dissemination of false information and supporting a terrorist organization. Their sentences, which originally ranged from ten to 18 years, were reduced in September 2025 to no more than nine years. Despite this reduction, the charges and the legitimacy of their detention have been widely criticized by international human rights organizations.

Joey Shea, a Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW, highlighted the contradiction in Saudi Arabia’s actions, noting, "By continuing to detain peaceful cultural leaders, Saudi authorities are demonstrating that the spate of prisoner releases earlier in 2025 does not indicate a policy shift towards ending the unlawful crackdown on dissent." Shea’s statement underscores the broader context of human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia, including the mistreatment of prisoners, the execution of minors, and the suppression of free speech.

The arrests and continued detention of these cultural leaders stand in stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s publicized Vision 2030 reform agenda, which purports to embrace socio-economic and cultural progress. Critics argue that the kingdom uses high-profile international events, like the Riyadh Comedy Festival, to deflect from its human rights record—a strategy that has drawn international scrutiny and criticism.

This renewed call from HRW aligns with ongoing pleas from various human rights bodies and the United Nations, urging Saudi authorities to adhere to international human rights standards and halt human rights abuses. The global community continues to watch closely, waiting to see if Saudi Arabia will alter its course and prioritize human dignity and freedom over harsh punitive measures against cultural expression.