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Saudi Netflix Show Creator Convicted by Anti-Terrorism Court

Saudi TV creator Abdulaziz Almuzaini, known for his groundbreaking animated Netflix show that challenges social taboos, announced that he was sentenced by an anti-terrorism court, sparking condemnation from rights advocates.

The Specialised Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia, established in 2008 to try terrorism suspects, sentenced Almuzaini to 13 years in prison followed by a 13-year travel ban. Almuzaini disclosed this in a video posted online last week, which has since been deleted.

In a second video posted this week, still available on the social media platform X, Almuzaini filmed himself inside a car, stating, “I am banned from travelling” out of Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials did not respond to a request for comment from AFP on Thursday, and Almuzaini, who was not available for comment, has not been reported as incarcerated.

Almuzaini’s satirical show “Masameer County,” described as “a humorous view on a changing Saudi,” premiered in 2021. The show addressed sensitive topics such as tribal disputes, Islamic militancy, and made subtle references to homosexuality, which can be punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that court documents cited Almuzaini’s online posts, which “ridiculed Arab regimes… or voiced support for women’s rights.” In the deleted video, Almuzaini said the court accused him of promoting homosexuality and militancy. He also made a direct appeal to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler since 2017, who has implemented extensive social and economic reforms.

“I believe that we are in a country ruled by a rational family, and if one of its citizens is subjected to injustice, I have faith that my voice reaching His Highness the crown prince will correct some of what happened to me,” Almuzaini stated.

Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for what activists describe as a severe crackdown on even mildly critical online speech. While Almuzaini does not appear to have been jailed, the case against him highlights a trend of suppressing free speech, according to Abdullah Alaoudh, senior director for countering authoritarianism at the US-based Middle East Democracy Center.

“Saudi Arabia’s creative industries will not thrive – let alone attract investment – until the authorities recognise and fully respect the human rights of all its citizens,” Alaoudh said.

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