The Saudi judiciary issued a 20-year prison sentence against the Shia preacher and orator, Sheikh Fathi al-Janoubi, who was arrested in early October, 2021, without knowing anything about his fate until the verdict issued.
Armed men, with their faces masked, from Tarout Island in Qatif, arrested Sheikh Al-Janoubi. They arrived at the Sheikh’s house in civilian vehicles and kidnapped the Sheikh from his home.
Well-informed sources said in press interviews followed by Shia Waves Agency, that: “Al-Janoubi’s arrest placed his family in deep sadness, as his aging mother passed away without knowing the fate of her son.”
The sources continued, “The case of Sheikh Al-Janoubi is to be added to the list of cases of other Shia scholars detained in the country, who are said to be nearly 21.”
The authorities have previously targeted Shia religious scholars, arrested them and issued long prison sentences or death sentences against them, as was the case with the martyr Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was executed in January 2016, after being convicted in a trial that lacked the most basic standards of justice.”