Saudi Women's Rights Activist Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old women's rights activist and fitness instructor in Saudi Arabia, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on terrorism charges by the kingdom's Specialized Criminal Court. The sentencing took place in a secret hearing on January 9, 2024, but was only made public weeks later after the Saudi government responded to an official request from United Nations human rights experts inquiring about her case.

Why this matters: The sentencing of Manahel al-Otaibi highlights the ongoing crackdown on free speech and women's rights activism in Saudi Arabia, despite the government's claims of reform. The sentencing of Manahel al-Otaibi highlights the ongoing crackdown on free speech and women's rights activism in Saudi Arabia, despite the government's claims of reform. This case has broader implications for the global human rights community, as it emphasizes the need for accountability and genuine reform in countries that suppress dissent and stifle freedom of expression.

According to Amnesty International and ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, al-Otaibi's conviction is linked to her clothing choices and online expression of her beliefs, including calls to end the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia. Al-Otaibi had used her social media platforms to advocate for women's rights and share videos of herself shopping without wearing an abaya, the traditional Saudi garment.

The Saudi government, however, claims that al-Otaibi was found guilty of "terrorist offences" and was arrested in accordance with the law under a legally valid warrant. In a letter to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the kingdom's mission in Geneva stated that "no person is held in detention in Saudi Arabia for exercising their rights and freedoms."

Human rights organizations are calling for al-Otaibi's immediate and unconditional release, condemning her imprisonment as an "appalling and cruel injustice." Bissan Fakih, Amnesty International's Campaigner on Saudi Arabia, said: "Manahel's conviction and 11-year sentence is an appalling and cruel injustice. With this sentence the Saudi authorities have exposed the hollowness of their much-touted women's rights reforms in recent years and demonstrated their chilling commitment to silencing peaceful dissent."

Following her arrestin November 2022, al-Otaibi was allegedly subjected to physical and psychological abuse at the Malaz Prison in Riyadh. In April, she told her family that she was being held in solitary confinement and had sustained a broken leg due to the mistreatment. Her sister, Fawzia al-Otaibi, faces similar charges but managed to flee Saudi Arabia in 2022 after being summoned for questioning.

Al-Otaibi's case highlights the ongoing crackdown on free speech and women's rights activism in Saudi Arabia, despite the government's claims of reform. In recent years, Saudi authorities have removed some restrictions on women under the male guardianship system, such as allowing them to drive and travel without a male guardian's permission. However, many discriminatory policies remain in place, and activists who dare to speak out against them face severe consequences.

Over the past two years, Saudi courts have handed down lengthy prison sentences to dozens of individuals for their social media posts and online expression. Many of those targeted have been women, including prominent activists like Loujain al-Hathloul and Samar Badawi, who have faced torture and abuse in detention.

The international community has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to respect human rights and release imprisoned activists. However, the kingdom continues to use its controversial counter-terrorism law to silence dissent and stifle freedom of expression. Al-Otaibi's case serves as a harsh wake-up call of the urgent need for genuine reform and accountability in Saudi Arabia, where the mere act of advocating for basic rights can lead to years behind bars.

Key Takeaways

• Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old Saudi women's rights activist, sentenced to 11 years in prison on terrorism charges.
• Conviction linked to her clothing choices and online advocacy for women's rights, including ending male guardianship.
• Saudi government claims she was found guilty of "terrorist offences", but human rights groups call it an "appalling and cruel injustice".
• Al-Otaibi allegedly subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including solitary confinement and a broken leg.
• Case highlights ongoing crackdown on free speech and women's rights activism in Saudi Arabia, despite government claims of reform.