The families of two jailed Saudi religious scholars have joined a growing chorus of opposition to the University of Cambridge’s plan to run staff training courses for Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry. The scholars, Sheikh Salman al-Awdah and Dr. Ali al-Omari, are among dozens facing execution after being convicted of terrorism-related charges in a sweeping crackdown on dissent. Their families argue that Cambridge’s involvement in such training legitimizes a government that has jailed critics and sentenced them to death after sham trials.

The Guardian first reported that Cambridge’s Judge business school had been authorized to deliver “leadership development” and “innovation management” courses for Saudi defence ministry officials. The training proposal has drawn sharp criticism from within the university, with faculty and students arguing that it violates Cambridge’s ethical guidelines. Several academics have resigned from advisory roles in protest, while student activists have organized petitions and demonstrations.

Why this training matters and who’s pushing back

The proposed courses are part of a broader push by the Saudi government to modernize its military and civil service through partnerships with Western institutions. Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took power in 2017, Riyadh has spent billions on “Vision 2030” reforms, including training programs aimed at reshaping the kingdom’s bureaucracy and security apparatus. Cambridge’s involvement would give the effort a veneer of academic legitimacy, critics say, despite Saudi Arabia’s well-documented human rights abuses.

The families of al-Awdah and al-Omari have been vocal opponents of the government’s crackdown. Al-Awdah, a prominent cleric and social media influencer with over 14 million followers, was arrested in 2017 after calling for reconciliation in the region. He was sentenced to death in 2020, though the sentence was later commuted to 15 years. Al-Omari, another influential figure, was arrested in 2018 and remains detained without charge. Both men have been repeatedly tortured in prison, according to human rights groups.

Cambridge’s dilemma and the broader debate

Cambridge has so far defended the training program, stating that it focuses on professional development and does not endorse Saudi policies. A university spokesperson said the courses would be delivered by academics who adhere to strict ethical standards. But opponents argue that any collaboration with Saudi security forces indirectly supports a regime that has jailed poets, journalists, and clerics for peaceful criticism. The case has reignited debates about academic freedom and the responsibilities of universities when dealing with authoritarian regimes.

Student groups at Cambridge have been particularly vocal. The Cambridge Palestine Solidarity Society and the Amnesty International student group have organized protests, while a petition calling for the program’s cancellation has gathered thousands of signatures. Faculty members have also raised concerns, with some signing an open letter condemning the partnership. “Universities should not be complicit in whitewashing human rights abuses,” said one professor who asked not to be named.

The controversy comes as Saudi Arabia faces increasing scrutiny over its human rights record ahead of its bid to host major international events, including the 2030 Expo and potential bids for future Olympic Games. Activists argue that partnerships like the one with Cambridge help the kingdom deflect criticism by projecting an image of reform and openness. Meanwhile, the families of al-Awdah and al-Omari continue to appeal for international support to pressure Riyadh into halting their executions and releasing political prisoners.

What happens next could set a precedent for other Western institutions considering similar partnerships with Saudi Arabia. Cambridge’s governing body is expected to review the program in the coming weeks, with a decision likely before the end of the year. If the university proceeds, it risks further alienating faculty, students, and global partners. If it cancels the program, it could embolden other critics and open the door to broader scrutiny of its international collaborations.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: The Guardian
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 15:30 UTC
  • Category: World
  • Topics: #guardian · #world-news · #international · #sons · #saudi · #cambridge

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

Filhas e filhos de ativistas sauditas presos pedem que a Universidade de Cambridge cancele parceria milionária com o ministério da Defesa da Arábia Saudita, que prevê treinar funcionários do governo de Riad. A polêmica aliança, orçada em milhões de libras, coloca a tradicional instituição britânica no centro de um debate sobre direitos humanos e ética acadêmica, enquanto o regime saudita enfrenta críticas internacionais por perseguição a dissidentes.

A polêmica ganha ainda mais peso quando se considera o contexto brasileiro, onde universidades e centros de pesquisa também têm sido pressionados a rever parcerias com governos ou empresas envolvidas em violações de direitos humanos. No Brasil, a discussão sobre autonomia acadêmica versus compromissos financeiros já gerou embates semelhantes, como no caso de acordos com a Petrobras em tempos de desmatamento na Amazônia. Para a comunidade lusófona, a questão transcende fronteiras: até que ponto as universidades devem manter laços com regimes autoritários em nome de recursos ou prestígio internacional?

A decisão de Cambridge pode se tornar um precedente global, servindo de termômetro para outras instituições que mantêm vínculos com governos controversos — a resposta da universidade britânica deve ser anunciada nas próximas semanas, enquanto ativistas já planejam novas frentes de pressão.

🇪🇸 Resumen en Español

La prestigiosa escuela de negocios de la Universidad de Cambridge se ve envuelta en una polémica internacional tras la petición de las familias de destacados académicos saudíes encarcelados para que retire un programa de formación dirigido al personal del Ministerio de Defensa de Riad.

El curso, impulsado por el centro británico, ha generado un intenso debate sobre la ética de colaborar con instituciones vinculadas a regímenes acusados de violaciones de derechos humanos. Para las familias de los presos políticos saudíes —entre ellos el conocido clérigo Salman al-Awdah—, esta alianza académica legitima al régimen de Mohammed bin Salman, señalado por organizaciones como Amnistía Internacional por sus prácticas represivas. La controversia trasciende lo académico: cuestiona el papel de las universidades occidentales en la diplomacia global y su posible contribución, directa o indirecta, a la consolidación de gobiernos autoritarios.