In a quiet but notable shift, Saudi Arabia has begun releasing a significant number of political prisoners—many of whom were jailed for peaceful activism or expressing their opinions online. The move comes after growing pressure from international human rights organizations and foreign governments, suggesting that the kingdom is taking steps to ease its harsh reputation on free speech and political dissent, even as it continues to tightly control public discourse.
Between late 2024 and early 2025, dozens of prisoners of conscience have reportedly been released. These include students, activists, and human rights defenders, many of whom had received long prison terms for social media posts or for participating in peaceful reform movements. While the government has not made any official statements about a policy change or announced the releases publicly, sources close to the detainees, human rights groups, and relatives have confirmed the releases quietly taking place over the past few months.
Notable Prisoners Released
Among the most prominent names released is Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi PhD student who was studying at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. She was arrested in January 2021 while visiting her family in Saudi Arabia. Her crime: using Twitter to speak out in support of women’s rights and advocating for the release of other political prisoners.
Al-Shehab was initially sentenced to 34 years in prison, later increased to 72 years due to charges related to “aiding those seeking to disrupt public order.” Following international condemnation, her sentence was reduced to four years, with part of it suspended. She was quietly released in February 2025, though reports indicate that she remains under a travel ban and cannot return to her studies in the UK.
Another key figure released was Mohammed al-Qahtani, a co-founder of the now-dissolved Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA). He was arrested in 2012 and sentenced in 2013 to 10 years in prison for peaceful activism, including calling for political reforms and greater freedoms. Al-Qahtani completed his sentence in 2022 but was held beyond that date without explanation. He was finally released in early 2025.
A Wave of Silent Releases
According to human rights monitors and families of detainees, at least 44 political prisoners have been released between December 2024 and February 2025. Most of them were arrested for activities that, by international standards, would be considered peaceful expression—such as tweeting, participating in forums, or supporting reforms through civil discourse.
While many of those released remain subject to conditions such as travel bans or restrictions on public appearances, the step has been welcomed by rights groups, who hope it marks the beginning of a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to free speech.
Why Now? Global Pressure and Image Makeover
The decision to quietly release political detainees may reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve its global image. The kingdom, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has launched a number of high-profile reforms in recent years under the banner of Vision 2030. These include loosening strict gender laws, opening the country to tourism, and investing in entertainment and sports.
But alongside these reforms, critics have pointed to an ongoing crackdown on dissent. Numerous activists, clerics, writers, and even members of the royal family have been detained over the last decade, particularly after the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which drew global outrage.
Saudi Arabia has faced increasing criticism from Western governments, especially the United States and European Union nations, who have raised human rights as a sticking point in their diplomatic relations. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also consistently documented abuses, including long prison sentences for minor offenses and torture in detention.
The quiet release of detainees may be a response to these pressures, as the kingdom seeks to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties and prepare for more international investment and tourism.
Still a Long Way to Go
While the releases are a positive sign, many observers caution against viewing them as a full policy reversal. Several hundred individuals are still believed to be detained in Saudi Arabia for political reasons. These include activists, religious reformers, and ordinary citizens who shared critical opinions online.
In many cases, released individuals remain under government control through travel bans, house arrest, or surveillance, limiting their ability to resume normal lives. Some have been warned not to speak to the media or resume their activism.
Moreover, arrests for free expression continue. In recent years, people have been sentenced to decades in prison for as little as retweeting posts or criticizing government policies. For example, Nourah bint Saeed al-Qahtani, a Saudi woman, was sentenced to 45 years in prison simply for her social media activity that was perceived as “disrupting the fabric of society.”
This continuing pattern shows that while the kingdom may be releasing some individuals, it is still enforcing strict laws on speech and expression.
Human Rights Groups React
Rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the recent releases but stress that these should be the beginning of a larger process to overhaul the justice system. They are calling for:
- The release of all political prisoners, not just high-profile cases.
- The repeal of repressive laws used to silence peaceful dissent, such as vague anti-terrorism or cybercrime laws.
- Transparent legal proceedings, with fair trials and the right to legal representation.
- The lifting of travel bans and social restrictions on released individuals so they can resume their lives freely.
As one human rights advocate put it, “The quiet release of a few prisoners is not enough. What’s needed is a systemic change in how the kingdom treats peaceful activism.”
Balancing Reform and Control
Saudi Arabia today sits at a crossroads. On one hand, it is rapidly modernizing its economy, investing in futuristic cities, hosting global events, and opening up to the world. On the other, it continues to suppress domestic dissent and limit civil freedoms.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has argued that rapid reform in a traditionally conservative society must come gradually and in a controlled way. However, critics argue that true modernization must include respect for fundamental human rights.
The quiet release of political prisoners, while significant, highlights the tension between these two narratives—one of progress, and the other of control.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s quiet efforts to release political prisoners in recent months mark an important development in the kingdom’s complex journey of reform. While the move brings relief to families and hope to activists, it also raises questions about whether this is a genuine shift or a strategic move to ease international pressure.
With many still behind bars and others restricted even after their release, the road to full freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia remains long. What’s clear is that the world is watching—and voices for justice, both inside and outside the kingdom, continue to call for lasting change.
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