Saudi Activist Saleh Al-Qarni Joins Opposition in Exile After Fleeing to London
Following years of repression and a travel ban, Al-Qarni publicly rejects the Saudi regime and vows to expose its practices from abroad.
Watan-In a notable move, Saudi activist Saleh Al-Qarni announced his joining of the Saudi opposition abroad after leaving the Kingdom and arriving in the British capital, London.
This development comes amid growing internal and international criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s policies, particularly regarding political repression and restrictions on freedoms.
Al-Qarni, who had faced a two-year travel ban, revealed in a video posted on the platform X (formerly Twitter) his rejection of the current ruling policies in Saudi Arabia. He affirmed his intention to expose the practices of the ruling regime and to actively participate in the opposition movement outside the country. The video, which quickly circulated on social media, showed Al-Qarni speaking in front of a London landmark, clearly declaring his new position within the opposition ranks.
Al-Qarni’s Defection Amplifies Saudi Dissent Abroad
The move did not go unnoticed, as it sparked widespread reactions on social platforms. Many activists and opposition figures praised his bold step, considering it a reflection of genuine public discontent within Saudi Arabia as a result of the authoritarian policies led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saleh Al-Qarni is the latest figure to join the growing list of Saudi dissidents in exile, which includes prominent names such as Yahya Assiri, Omar Abdulaziz, Abdullah Alaoudh, and others who fled internal repression to find platforms abroad.
This comes at a time when the security grip inside the Kingdom is tightening, with increased surveillance over activists, writers, and bloggers, alongside a significant decline in civil liberties and ongoing waves of arbitrary arrests, according to international human rights organizations.
Observers believe that Al-Qarni’s decision to join the opposition could add momentum to the dissident narrative abroad, especially as Saudi Arabia faces mounting criticism over its human rights record, political detentions, and suppression of public opinion. This could negatively impact its image on the international stage, amid Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to promote his Vision 2030 as a model of economic reform and openness.
