Saudi Arabia Hosts UN Conference Amidst Repression of Online Expression
Introduction
In December 2023, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 19th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh with the theme “Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future.” This major United Nations conference aims to engage various stakeholders in multistakeholder policy dialogues surrounding internet-related public policy issues. However, the backdrop of this event is deeply troubling, marked by ongoing repression of peaceful online speech within the Kingdom. Numerous activists and citizens remain imprisoned under harsh counterterrorism laws for expressing their thoughts online, raising significant concerns about the genuineness of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital rights.
The Clash of Image and Reality
While Saudi officials present the IGF as a platform advocating for internet freedom and digital rights, the reality is starkly different. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has documented a sustained crackdown on freedom of expression in the Kingdom, particularly as it pertains to online activities. The Saudi authorities have engaged in widespread surveillance and harassment of civil society members both domestically and abroad, all of which undermines the very principles of open dialogue that the IGF seeks to promote.
According to Joey Shea, a Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW, “Saudi authorities have engaged in a sustained assault on online freedom of expression, yet are now playing hosts to a global internet conference.” This contradiction raises ethical questions about the legitimacy of the Kingdom’s role as a host nation for such an important global event.
The Rise of Repressive Measures
Saudi Arabia’s counterterrorism law has been wielded as a weapon against peaceful expression online. Over the past few years, at least 40 individuals have been arrested or charged based on their social media posts, with many receiving disproportionate sentences for merely expressing their opinions. Notably, Saudi authorities have imposed outrageous prison terms on individuals for simple acts like liking a post or retweeting content deemed unfavorable by the government.
Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi doctoral student, became a tragic symbol of this oppression when she was sentenced to 34 years in prison for her activity on social media, primarily discussing family matters and advocating for women’s rights. Even after a reduction of her sentence, the punitive measure reflects a wider pattern of using digital platforms to silence dissent.
Harsh Sentences for Peaceful Expression
On July 10, 2023, Muhammad al-Ghamdi, a retired teacher, was sentenced to death under similar circumstances. His crimes, as cited by the Saudi Specialized Criminal Court, involved peaceful expression through tweets and YouTube videos. This egregious instance highlights the perilous environment for citizens trying to engage in fundamental freedoms, particularly speech.
The oppressive nature of the Saudi counterterrorism law not only stifles dissent but also erodes any semblance of due process within the judicial system. Under its provisions, the government has vast authority to surveil, detain, and punish individuals without adequate oversight or accountability.
The Chilling Effect on Freedom of Expression
The ramifications of such harsh sentencing extend far beyond those directly affected. The pervasive fear instilled by these actions creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression across Saudi society. It discouraged not only Saudi citizens but also international advocates from participating in discussions about digital rights and freedom of speech.
This atmosphere of fear is further exacerbated by the country’s ongoing surveillance practices, which have included digital attacks on dissidents and rights activists. Films and investigations have uncovered a systematic approach to digital espionage aimed at monitoring and controlling the narrative surrounding dissent.
Concerns Over Participation at the IGF
As the IGF approaches, many civil society organizations are opting out of participation due to safety concerns. The risks associated with attending an event in a country where individuals have faced arrest for their online activities is too great for many advocates. Such decisions not only undermine the spirit of the conference but also highlight the urgent need for guaranteeing safety and freedom for participants.
Joey Shea emphasizes the need for a decisive action from the Saudi government before the conference begins, calling for the immediate release of individuals wrongfully imprisoned based on their online activities. “What is sadly much more likely… is the news of even more outrageous, decades-long sentences for social media posts,” she claims, pointing to an all-too-common pattern of repression and fear.
Conclusion
Held against the backdrop of pervasive repression of online expression, the Internet Governance Forum in Saudi Arabia raises fundamental questions about the alignment of the nation’s policies with the ideals of free speech and digital rights. As civil society grapples with the implications of participating in such an environment, it becomes increasingly clear that true commitment to a multistakeholder digital future necessitates not only dialogue but also respect for fundamental human rights. If Saudi Arabia intends to be viewed as a leader in internet governance, it must first address the glaring discrepancies in its treatment of digital rights at home.