The freedom and honor of Turki Al Hamad
In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful
Your Royal Highness, Prince Salmam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crowned
Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Of Defense)
The unjust detention of Dr. Al Hamad is unworthy of him and
unworthy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thus it is condemned, reprehensible, shameful
and unacceptable.
What has happened with Dr. Turki Al Hamad is particularly
unjust. The issue began by assuming the worst assumptions and ended with the
worst conduct through the manipulation of words, meanings, laws and regulations
in flagrant violation of the Charter of Human Rights and in an explicit assault
on an individual’s right to free speech.
We will not discuss Dr. Al Hamad’s
importance and standing, since you yourself know him best, even at a personal
level, because the values of right and justice impose equality among all
citizens. We are addressing you because you have always been known as a friend
to journalists and intellectuals and as the saying goes a friend in need is a
friend indeed.
We hope, demand and expect a quick decision to be made to
correct this grave error that has been committed against Dr. Al Hamad. This
wrong should be righted by his immediate and unconditional release. Dr. Al Hamad
also deserves a public apology after being the target of several campaigns of
incitement and distortion. Moreover as an icon of the intellect and culture in
Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, Dr. Al Hamad should be officially honored and awarded.
May God bless and keep you safe,