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,