Saudi Authorities Release Prominent Cleric Sheikh Al-Talib, Remains Under House Arrest
Sheikh Saleh Al-Talib, the former Imam and Khatib of Al-Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque in Mecca), has been released by Saudi authorities after spending more than seven years in prison. The advocacy group Prisoners of Conscience confirmed his release but noted that he remains under house arrest and is required to wear an electronic ankle monitor.
Sheikh Al-Talib was initially arrested in August 2018 following a sermon where he reportedly urged Muslims to speak out against wrongdoing. Although he was initially acquitted, the Specialized Criminal Appeals Court later sentenced him to 10 years in prison in 2022. Prior to his detention, he had a distinguished career as a judge in Makkah, Riyadh, and other regions, and is widely respected for his Quran recitations and impactful sermons. His release follows a pattern of similar cases, including the recent release of teacher Asaad bin Nasser Al-Ghamdi, who had been detained for over two years due to social media posts. This report is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
