Amnesty International has called on Saudi officials to order the release of a high-ranking official of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement and his son, citing his worsening health condition and lack of access to adequate health care.
The human rights group said on Monday that the health of 83-year-old Dr. Mohammed al-Khudari has been deteriorating as he cannot obtain essential medical service, including care for his bladder catheterization.
In #SaudiArabia #Palestinian Dr Mohammed al-Khudari (81) who is unwell and his son Dr Hani al-Khudari (48) were arbitrarily arrested and detained without charge since 4 April. @amnesty say they must be freed unless charged with a recognised crime https://t.co/paoMluYrkC pic.twitter.com/TLO1CZNOQl
— Andrew Rose (@AndrewRose11) December 16, 2019
Amnesty International went on to say that Dr. Khudari had undergone surgeryand was being treated for prostate cancer when Saudi authorities arbitrarily arrested him and his son, Dr. Hani, in early April 2019.
#Saudi authorities have denied an 83-year-old man and cancer patient access to adequate health care while his health has been steadily deteriorating in detention. His life is at risk and must be released immediately and provided with urgent medical care. https://t.co/KfJCYHpeqe pic.twitter.com/4LJ4mM8BcV
— Amnesty Gulf (@amnestygulf) February 15, 2021
The Britain-based organization said the two Palestinians were brought before the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in the capital Riyadh one year later in a mass trial marred by serious due process violations.
Amnesty International has already called on Saudi Arabia's King Salman to order the dropping of unfounded charges against Dr. Khudari and his son, and their release.
On 8 March 2020, both men were part of a group of 68 individuals brought before the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in a mass trial on trumped-up charges under the #Saudi counter-terror court. The date of the next court session remains unknown. pic.twitter.com/figQ5YKkxs
— Amnesty Gulf (@amnestygulf) August 12, 2020
It also urged the Saudi monarch to order the urgent transfer of the distinguished Palestinian figure to a hospital, where he is able to receive the essential specialized medical care he needs.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
