Youngest Saudi political prisoner released from jail after serving eight years

SANAA, Jun. 24 (YPA) – Saudi authorities released Murtaja Qureiris who was arrested when aged 13 for suspected involvement in anti-government protests, after serving eight years in jail  unjustly and arbitrarily.

He was reportedly arrested over a 2011 demonstration that took place in the kingdom’s eastern province of Qatif, home to the country’s Shia minority, calling for greater democratic rights and an end to persecution of Shias.

Murtaji was deprived of most of his basic rights. He was completely denied of any legal support or a lawyer, for nearly four years since his arrest and he has not been allowed to do so until the start of his trial.

Qureiris was accused by the Saudi Government of joining a “terror group” and “sowing sedition”.

E.M