Saudi Cartoonist Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison Amid Crackdown

Mohammed al-Ghamdi's extended sentence highlights Saudi Arabia's intensified judicial actions against dissent.

Mohammed al-Ghamdi, a Saudi cartoonist, initially received a six-year prison sentence, which was later increased to 23 years.
Al-Ghamdi worked for a Qatari newspaper during a diplomatic crisis between Qatar and several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.
The Specialized Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia accused al-Ghamdi of insulting the kingdom through his cartoons.
The case has drawn international attention, with human rights groups calling for action to protect artistic freedom in Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pursued liberal reforms but continues to suppress perceived dissent through harsh penalties.