Rights organizations are advocating for Bulgarian authorities to cease the deportation of Saudi human rights defender Abdulrahman al-Khalidi, urging his resettlement to a third country due to potential risks of persecution in Saudi Arabia. Al-Khalidi’s previous asylum applications were denied, leading to ongoing appeals.
A coalition of 20 human rights organizations has urged Bulgarian authorities to halt plans for the deportation of Saudi human rights defender Abdulrahman al-Khalidi to Saudi Arabia. They advocate for al-Khalidi’s resettlement in a third country instead. He has been an active advocate for human rights and prisoners’ rights for over a decade, fleeing Saudi Arabia in 2013 due to fears of persecution.
Al-Khalidi continued to openly criticize the Saudi regime through articles and participation in the online movement “Bees Army,” established by murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Following Khashoggi’s assassination at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, al-Khalidi sought asylum in Bulgaria. However, in May 2022, his asylum application was denied by Bulgaria’s State Agency for Refugees, prompting him to appeal the decision twice to the Supreme Administrative Court of Bulgaria.
In February 2024, the National Security Agency of Bulgaria issued an expulsion order against al-Khalidi, with the Sofia Administrative Court confirming the order in October 2024. Nonetheless, the execution of this order is on hold pending the conclusion of all pending asylum appeals. Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea emphasized that Bulgaria risks breaching nonrefoulement principles by deporting al-Khalidi, endangering him upon return to Saudi Arabia.
The Convention against Torture explicitly forbids expelling individuals to countries where they face the threat of torture. This principle is reinforced by the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Furthermore, the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees safeguards against returning refugees to places where they might face persecution.
Human rights organizations have extensively documented the oppressive tactics employed by Saudi authorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including significant executions, such as that of 81 individuals in March 2022, which stands as one of the largest mass executions in recent history despite promises to limit such measures.
In summary, human rights organizations are calling upon Bulgaria to prevent the deportation of Abdulrahman al-Khalidi to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing his prior activism and potential risks upon return. Bulgaria’s adherence to international conventions regarding human rights and nonrefoulement is critical, especially considering documented abuses against dissidents in Saudi Arabia. The outcome of al-Khalidi’s case remains pivotal for both his safety and the protection of human rights.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
