Why Iraqi detainees in Saudi Arabia have become a recurring diplomatic issue

2026-02-12 - 05:56

Shafaq News More than 145 Iraqi nationals are believed to be detained in Saudi Arabia, according to Iraqi lawmakers, in a case that has resurfaced repeatedly over the past two years and prompted continued diplomatic engagement between Baghdad and Riyadh. The issue blends legal, religious, and political sensitivities and remains under discussion in Iraq’s parliament. How Many Iraqis Are Detained? Miqdad Al-Khafaji, a member of the Huqooq parliamentary bloc, told Shafaq News that 147 Iraqis are currently held in Saudi prisons and urged Iraq’s executive leadership to intensify efforts to secure their release. In August 2025, Raad Al-Maliki, a member of Iraq’s parliamentary Legal Committee, revealed that nine Iraqis were detained during the Umrah pilgrimage, describing the arrests as occurring “without charges.” He warned that unresolved cases could provoke public frustration. Iraqi officials have confirmed that some detainees were released in stages following diplomatic contacts, though no consolidated list of names has been made public. As a result, the exact number of Iraqis still in custody remains unclear. Why Are Iraqis Being Detained? According to Al-Maliki and relatives, several cases involved what were described as administrative or pilgrimage-related violations rather than serious criminal offenses. Some incidents were linked to social media posts referencing Al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, a site revered by many Shiite Muslims as the burial place of figures including Imam Hassan bin Ali and Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Saudi regulations during Hajj and Umrah prohibit political slogans or expressions and require religious rituals to remain free of political messaging. In 2024, five Iraqis were also arrested while performing Umrah. Iraqi media, citing family members, reported that the arrests followed Instagram posts referencing Al-Baqi. The father of one detainee, identified as Ali Ma’an Ali, said his son removed