In March 2019, HRH Princess Basmah bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a businesswoman and human rights activist, and her daughter Suhoud Al Sharif were seized from their home in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and taken to a high-security prison in the Riyadh Province, where they were held for almost three years without being charged. Although criminal accusations were made against Her Royal Highness and her daughter, these were never pursued in a court of law, in contravention of the Saudi criminal code. Three years’ imprisonment has greatly affected the mental health of both Princess Basmah bint Saud and her daughter Suhoud Al Sharif and they need urgent medical attention. Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud and his father are still in arbitrary detention.
On 6 January 2022, HRH and her daughter were released.
Following the release of HRH Princess Basmah bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and her daughter Suhoud Al Sharif, on Wednesday, 5 January 2022, leading MEPs stated:
“We welcome the release of HRH Princess Basmah bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and her daughter Suhoud Al Sharif after three years of detention without any charges or due legal process. The Saudi leadership has finally heard the international community’s voice, including that of the European Parliament.
We call on the Saudi authorities to ensure that both Princess Basmah and her daughter receive adequate medical care and support.
The commendable reforms already undertaken and those underway are positive signs, which must be followed by tangible steps such as the end of arbitrary detention for all prisoners. The European Parliament remains ready to continue the political dialogue with its Saudi counterparts with a view to promoting, protecting and strengthening human rights and the rule of law in Saudi Arabia.”
The statement is co-signed by: Eva Kaili (S&D, Greece), Vice-President of the European Parliament; Maria Arena (S&D, Belgium), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights.
