Ahmed Fathi Kamal Kamel, an Egyptian man previously involved in anti-government protests, is facing imminent extradition from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, where rights groups warn he could face torture and persecution.
Kamel, a 33-year-old father of two, was arrested by Saudi authorities on November 13 in Jeddah. His detention stems from a warrant linked to a life sentence handed down in absentia by an Egyptian court in 2021, according to his wife, Sherine, who has withheld her surname for security reasons.
The charges relate to Kamel’s participation in 2014 protests against the military overthrow of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi by current leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Amnesty International has confirmed the charges are tied to his political activity and has raised concerns about his safety if deported.
On Thursday, Sherine received a text indicating that a final exit visa for her husband had been issued, signaling his extradition could happen at any moment.
Amnesty International warned that Kamel’s return to Egypt would likely result in severe torture, citing his previous claims of abuse during an earlier detention in Egypt. The group added that such a move would violate the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals to countries where they are at risk of torture or persecution.
Kamel moved to Saudi Arabia in 2014 after being released on bail in Egypt. Despite his attempt to leave political unrest behind, his past has resurfaced, putting him and his family at risk.
Saudi Arabia, a key ally of Sisi, has supported Egypt politically and financially since Morsi’s ousting. Rights groups accuse Sisi’s government of suppressing dissent, with tens of thousands of political prisoners reportedly detained. Egypt denies these claims, asserting it is combatting terrorism and maintaining national security.
Saudi authorities have not yet responded to inquiries about Kamel’s case. Meanwhile, Sherine continues to plead for her husband’s safety, fearing his imminent deportation.
