Rabih Alenezi
Rabih Alenezi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi Arabian |
| Occupation(s) | Former Colonel in the General Directorate of Public Security, Activist |
| Known for | Dissident against the Saudi Arabian government |
Rabih Alenezi is a Saudi Arabian dissident and former colonel in the Saudi Arabian police force. Known for his vocal criticism of the Saudi Arabian government, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alenezi has been living in exile in the United Kingdom.[1][2] He has made significant contributions to the discourse on human rights in Saudi Arabia, particularly with respect to the Neom project, a planned megacity in the desert. His allegations of human rights violations and his personal experiences have brought international attention to the issue. Despite facing numerous threats, Alenezi continues to speak out against oppression and advocate for human rights.
Early life and career[edit]
Alenezi served as a senior official in Saudi Arabia's security service for two decades. During his tenure, he claims he was ordered to commit human rights abuses.[2]
Defection and asylum[edit]
Elenizi defected from Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Public Security.[1] He requested asylum in the UK after he claimed he had been ordered to commit human rights abuses.[2] He announced his defection and began speaking out online.[1]
Threats and fears[edit]
Since his defection, Elenizi has received numerous death threats. He was receiving an average of 50 death threats a week.[2] The Saudi royal court reportedly had a $250,000 (£200,000) bounty on his head. He fears for his life and lives in hiding.[3]
Activism[edit]
Elenizi has used his platform to speak out against the tyranny of Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He has gained a huge following online and lives on donations from his followers.[2]
Involvement in the Neom project[edit]
Elenizi has made numerous allegations of human rights abuses he was asked to carry out, including the Saudi Interior Ministry's order to crack down on the Howeitat tribe in Tabuk province in 2020, Prince Mohammed's Location of pet project Neom, a planned megacity. in the desert.[2] He claimed that Saudi authorities authorized the use of lethal force to clear land for the Neom project.[4]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Saudi defector fears he is being hunted in London after bounty posted online". Middle East Eye.
- ^ a b c d e f Ganguly, Manisha (June 8, 2023). "Threatened Saudi dissident told to live like Edward Snowden by Met police" – via The Guardian.
- ^ "'Bring me his head': The frightening Twitter hunt for a Saudi dissident in exile". The Observers - France 24. April 10, 2023.
- ^ "Neom: Saudi forces 'told to kill' to clear land for eco-city". May 9, 2024 – via www.bbc.com.