Amr Abdelfattah, a Franco-Egyptian telecommunications engineer and researcher, was detained in Saudi Arabia in June 2024 during a religious pilgrimage to Mecca. He was later brought before Saudi authorities in May 2025 and sentenced to eight years in prison, partly due to alleged insults against the Saudi government. The charges have raised concerns among international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which is now calling for his release. Abdelfattah’s case has drawn attention due to his dual nationality and the nature of the charges against him. According to his lawyer, Julia Basile, the accusations against him are not only serious but also lack clear evidence. She has emphasized that the charges appear to be politically motivated and not based on any concrete legal grounds. Basile, who is representing Abdelfattah, has been invited by France 24 to provide more details about the case and the legal steps being taken to challenge the sentence. Julia Basile explained that the legal process in Saudi Arabia can be complex, especially for foreign nationals. She noted that the judicial system in the country is often criticized for not fully adhering to international human rights standards. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to fighting for her client's freedom and has already begun gathering evidence to appeal the conviction. Amnesty International has joined the call for Abdelfattah’s release, highlighting the importance of protecting freedom of expression and due process. The organization has urged the Saudi authorities to review the case and consider the broader implications of such charges on international relations and human rights. As the case moves forward, the international community is closely watching to see how it will be resolved.