Jalal Labbad

Extra Bio Info:

Jalal Labbad is imprisoned and sentenced to death for his religious identity and for protesting religious freedom conditions.

On February 23, 2017, authorities arrested Labbad from his family’s home in al-Awamiyah in relation to his participation in protests against the state's treatment of Shi'a citizens in al-Qatif. Labbad was 21 years old at the time of his arrest and accused of crimes that he allegedly committed when he was a minor. 

While detained from February 2017 to December 2017, authorities severely tortured Labbad and placed him in solitary for a total of nine and a half months over the course of two separate occasions reportedly to coerce him into making statements. Labbad was reportedly hospitalized more than one in relation to his torture after suffering from frequent fainting, low blood pressure, weak heartbeat, and severe swelling in his right thigh. Labbad also reportedly suffered/suffers from a range of issues resulting from his torture, including inability to sleep without medical assistance, a varicocele disorder that causes severe pain, excessive blood collection, and blood in his urine, persistent swelling in his right thigh, loss of focus, and persistent forgetfulness. Labbad was also denied access to legal counsel.

In July 2019, Labbad appeared before the Specialized Criminal Court, charged with “participating in demonstrations,” “attending funerals of victims shot by government forces,” “helping to treat and shelter wanted persons who were wounded and with being involved,” and “shooting at and throwing Molotov cocktails at soldiers.” At least one of the charges dates back to when Labbad was 15 years old. Prosecutors were reportedly seeking the death penalty for Labbad.

On July 31, 2022, Labbad was sentenced to death.

On October 4, 2022, the appeals branch of the Specialized Criminal Court upheld Labbad's sentence. 

On an unspecified date, the Supreme Court reportedly upheld Labbad's sentence. He thus faces imminent threat of execution.