In a landmark ruling, Ghanem Al-Masarir, a prominent British-based YouTuber known for his outspoken criticism of the Saudi royal family, has been awarded over £3 million in damages after suffering a brutal attack and having his phone hacked. The High Court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression, particularly concerning the actions of foreign states against critics.
Assault Outside Harrods
The incident that sparked this legal battle took place in August 2018 when Al-Masarir was assaulted in Knightsbridge, London. Following a meeting with a friend, he was confronted and attacked by two men who accused him of being a “slave to Qatar.” The physical confrontation left him with serious injuries, including damage to his eye. In a harrowing account, Al-Masarir described how one of the attackers punched him in the face and continued to assault him while the other shouted accusations. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, preventing the situation from escalating further.
A History of Harassment
Al-Masarir, who fled Saudi Arabia for the UK in 2003 and was granted asylum in 2018, has built a substantial following on YouTube, with his videos garnering nearly 350 million views. His content often satirises the Saudi royal family and highlights corruption within the kingdom. In his claim for compensation, Al-Masarir revealed that he had been subjected to a relentless campaign of harassment orchestrated by the Saudi authorities. This included sophisticated hacking attempts using malicious spyware known as “Pegasus,” which allowed the aggressors to access his personal information, track his location, and monitor his communications.
The High Court heard that Al-Masarir’s life was profoundly affected by these invasions of privacy. He testified that the discovery of being targeted led to severe depression, effectively ending his once-thriving YouTube career and rendering him unable to work or engage in daily activities.
A Legal Victory
Following a recent hearing, Mr Justice Saini ruled in favour of Al-Masarir, stating that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) had no realistic prospect of defending the case against him. The judge underscored the severity of the invasion of privacy that Al-Masarir experienced, describing the KSA’s actions as “exceptionally grave” and constituting harassment. The ruling was particularly significant as the KSA failed to respond to the allegations or present a defence, leading to a summary judgment that awarded Al-Masarir a total of £3,025,662, which included over £2.5 million for lost income from his YouTube channel.
In his judgment, Justice Saini noted, “The KSA had a clear interest in and motivation to shut down the claimant’s public criticism of the Saudi government.” He further remarked on the planning involved in the attack, as one of the assailants was observed wearing an earpiece, suggesting a level of coordination.
Why it Matters
This case not only highlights the personal struggles of Ghanem Al-Masarir but also raises crucial questions about state-sponsored harassment and the lengths to which governments might go to silence dissent. The ruling serves as a potent reminder of the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and the rights of individuals to speak out against oppressive regimes. As the world grapples with issues of surveillance and accountability, Al-Masarir’s victory stands as a beacon of hope for activists and critics everywhere, reinforcing the notion that justice can prevail against even the most formidable of adversaries.
