Saudi Fitness Instructor and Women’s Rights Activist Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
Background:
Two human rights groups, Amnesty International and ALQST, have condemned the recent sentencing of Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old Saudi fitness instructor and women’s rights activist, to 11 years in prison by a terrorism court in Saudi Arabia.
Charges:
Al-Otaibi was convicted on charges related to her clothing choices and expression of her views online. This included calls for ending the guardianship system and videos of her shopping without an abaya.
Diplomatic Response:
Saudi diplomats informed the UN that she was found guilty of “terrorism offenses,” but provided no further details about the case.
Context:
Many women, including al-Otaibi, have been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia recently due to social media posts, amid an intensified crackdown on online dissent.
Support for Reforms:
Al-Otaibi was initially supportive of social and economic reforms initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017, including the right to choose clothing and express opinions freely.
Arrest and Charges:
In November 2022, she was arrested on terrorism charges related to her online activities opposing certain laws and customs, such as the male guardianship system and the hijab law.
Trial and Verdict:
Her case was referred to the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC), a tribunal criticized for unfair trials and harsh sentences. In January, she was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for “terrorism offenses.”
International Obligations:
The Saudi government, in a letter to the UN, stressed that they verified all evidence against al-Otaibi and respected international obligations.
Criticism and Response:
Rights groups criticized the verdict, stating it was an attempt to silence dissent. The government defended the decision, stating that defending rights is not a crime, but justifying terrorist actions under the guise of rights advocacy is unacceptable.
Impact:
Al-Otaibi’s case highlights ongoing concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding women’s rights and online dissent.
