The sentencing of Manahel al-Otaibi, a Saudi women’s rights activist, to 11 years in prison for her advocacy work and expression of personal freedom has sparked international outrage and highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Kingdom’s declared path towards reform and the reality faced by activists on the ground.
Al-Otaibi, a certified fitness instructor and an outspoken proponent of women’s empowerment on social media, was arrested in November 2022 and charged with “terrorist offences” under Saudi Arabia’s strict anti-terror laws. The Saudi government confirmed in a statement to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that her sentencing took place on January 9 in a secret hearing before the counter-terrorism court.
The charges against al-Otaibi were grounded in her peaceful activities, such as calling for an end to male guardianship rules and expressing her views online. Amnesty International and ALQST, a rights group, have decried the decision, calling for her immediate and unconditional release. “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,” stated Bissan Fakih, Amnesty International’s campaigner on Saudi Arabia.
The irony in al-Otaibi’s case is poignant. She was an early supporter of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “radical changes”, which included a purported relaxation of dress codes for women. In a 2019 interview, she remarked on the freedom she felt to express her opinions and attire choices, attributing this liberty to the Crown Prince’s declarations. Yet, her arrest and subsequent sentencing starkly contradict this initial sentiment.
During her imprisonment, al-Otaibi has faced severe abuse, including a forced disappearance for five months, solitary confinement, and allegations of physical abuse resulting in a broken leg. These claims have been denied by Saudi officials.
Al-Otaibi’s case is not isolated. In the past two years, several other Saudi women, including Salma al-Shehab, Fatima al-Shawarbi, Sukaynah al-Aithan, and Nourah al-Qahtani, have received lengthy prison sentences for using social media to express themselves. This crackdown contradicts the Kingdom’s efforts to present itself as a reforming power, particularly concerning women’s rights. Notably, in 2019, the state security agency momentarily categorized feminism as a form of “extremist” thinking before a swift retraction was made after public backlash.
International rights groups maintain that while some restrictions under the male guardianship system have been eased, many discriminatory elements persist. The much-anticipated 2022 Personal Status Law, rather than abolishing restrictive aspects of the male guardianship system, has codified them, especially concerning marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Relevant articles:
– Saudi Arabia activist sentenced to 11 years in prison for ‘support’ of women’s rights, theguardian.com, 05/01/2024
– Saudi Arabia: Woman jailed for 11 years for online expression supporting women’s rights, Amnesty International, 04/30/2024
– Rights Groups Denounce 11-year Sentence For Saudi Rights Activist, Barron’s, 04/30/2024
– Environmental defenders face new wave of repression, IFEX, 04/30/2024
– ‘I wish they killed me’: Human rights activist describes time inside Israeli jail, The Independent, 04/28/2024