Ahmed Mansoor Marks Another Birthday Behind Bars as Rights Groups Renew Calls for His Release
Paris Telegraph | Human Rights
PARIS, October 22, 2026 — Emirati human rights defender, poet and blogger Ahmed Mansoor marks his birthday today in prison, more than nine years after his arrest, as international human rights organisations continue to call for his release.
Born on October 22, 1969, Mansoor has been detained since March 20, 2017. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) and PEN International, he has spent much of his imprisonment in solitary confinement at Al-Sadr prison in Abu Dhabi, under conditions that have raised serious concerns among international rights advocates.
Mansoor was sentenced to 10 years in prison in May 2018 on charges related to his social media activity and human rights advocacy. His conviction was upheld by the UAE Federal Supreme Court in December of that year.
However, his imprisonment did not end there. In July 2024, an Abu Dhabi court sentenced him to an additional 15 years in prison in connection with the high-profile UAE 84 mass trial. Human Rights Watch reported in March 2025 that the Federal Supreme Court had upheld the additional sentence, bringing his total prison terms to 25 years.
Human Rights Watch has described the proceedings against Mansoor as fundamentally unfair, arguing that the charges underlying his original conviction stemmed from his peaceful criticism of government policies and his work documenting human rights abuses. The organisation has also raised concerns about his prolonged isolation and reported restrictions on basic prison conditions.
PEN International, which continues to list Mansoor among its imprisoned writers, reported in April 2026 that he remained in detention and was reportedly being held in an isolation ward, with restrictions on family visits and access to basic facilities.
Mansoor received the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2015 in recognition of his work. Before his arrest, he was among the UAE’s most prominent independent human rights advocates, using social media and international platforms to highlight concerns about freedom of expression, arbitrary detention and fair trials.
His continued imprisonment has drawn repeated criticism from international human rights organisations and United Nations experts. Rights groups have called on the Emirati authorities to release him and ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their work without fear of imprisonment or reprisals.
On his birthday, supporters are renewing their appeal for his freedom under the hashtag #FreeAhmed, alongside #BirthdayWishes4Ahmed.
For Mansoor’s supporters, October 22 is not simply a birthday. It is a reminder of a human rights defender who has spent successive birthdays in detention and whose case continues to raise questions about freedom of expression, fair trial guarantees and the treatment of imprisoned activists in the United Arab Emirates.
Paris Telegraph will continue to follow developments concerning freedom of expression and the treatment of human rights defenders around the world
By Veroniq J – Middle East Desk Editor | Paris Telegraph
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