Press Release
Published on June 28, 2021
WASHINGTON – Emirati human rights defender Alaa al-Siddiq was killed in a car crash in England on June 19. Human Rights First issued this statement from President and CEO Mike Breen.
“We mourn the sudden, tragic loss of Alaa al-Siddiq, a passionate human rights defender and leading figure in the human rights movement, particularly in the Middle East. We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones at this terrible time.
“Alaa was the Executive Director of ALQST, a London-based NGO that in 2020 was recognized with the William D. Zabel Human Rights Award, which we presented to the organization for its unparalleled efforts in monitoring and documenting abuses perpetrated by the Saudi government, including the repression of women and violations of other human rights. We were proud to work with Alaa and ALQST to help bring accountability to some of the most repressive regimes in the world.
“We will remember Alaa for her dedication, for her perception, and for her wit. Her death is a tragic loss to those who knew her, and the countless people whose lives she touched. She was a lion in defense of human rights, and her courage, strength, and determination have and will continue to inspire many for years to come.”
