Syrian pilgrim Khaled Abdulaziz disappeared in Saudi Arabia for 19 months

Name:

Khaled Abdulaziz

Nationality:

Syrian

Status:

Arbitrarily detained

Date of arrest:

September 12, 2017

Last updated:

Syrian businessman Khaled Abdulaziz was disappeared while travelling from the city of Medina to Mecca in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage in September 2017. He remained disappeared for 19 months before his family learned that he was being held in Al Ha’ir political prison in April 2019.

On August 26, 2017, Abdulaziz travelled with his mother from Turkey to Mecca to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. After completing the Hajj rituals, Abdulaziz and his mother traveled to Medina.

On September 11, 2017, Abdulaziz informed his mother that he wanted to go back to Mecca to visit the Grand Mosque. The following day, September 12, Abdulaziz undertook the journey back to Mecca.

Abdulaziz’s family remained unaware of his fate and whereabouts for the next 19 months. At the end of April 2019, his family learned that he is being held in Al Ha’ir political prison, and were allowed to visit him for the first time.

Timeline

April 2019
Family learns that Abdulaziz is being held in Al Ha’ir political prison and he receives his first family visit.
February 4, 2019
MENA Rights Group and Alqst submit case to UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.
September 12, 2017
Abdulaziz is disappeared while travelling from Medina to visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
August 26, 2017
Abdulaziz travels with his mother to Mecca to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.