Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Manahel al-Otaibi, a champion of female empowerment on social media, has been handed an 11-year prison sentence by an anti-terrorism court in Saudi Arabia. The activist was arrested for her advocacy of women’s rights and her choice of attire, according to Saudi officials who classified her actions as “terrorist offenses.”
Al-Otaibi’s sentencing came after a closed-door hearing in the counter-terrorism court where she was found guilty of violating Saudi Arabia’s anti-terror law. This law prohibits the use of websites to spread false information or rumors that could be linked to terrorist activities. The young activist, known for promoting women’s empowerment through her social media presence, was detained in November 2022.
Among the allegations against Al-Otaibi was her use of a hashtag, translated to #societyisready, which called for the abolition of male guardianship rules in Saudi Arabia. Her sister, Fouz al-Otaibi, was also accused of violating decency standards but managed to leave the country before facing arrest. Another sister, Maryam, a women’s rights advocate, had previously been detained and later released for protesting against guardianship rules.
Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and ALQST have called for Al-Otaibi’s immediate and unconditional release, stating that her imprisonment contradicts the Saudi government’s claims of progress in women’s rights and empowerment. The activist had previously expressed support for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiatives, including alleged changes in dress codes for women, before being detained in the recent crackdown.
Al-Otaibi’s social media profiles portrayed her as a progressive, fitness-loving individual who passionately advocated for women’s rights. Rights groups have reported that she faced severe abuse during her detention, including a period of forced disappearance. Saudi authorities have denied these allegations, but similar cases of harsh sentencing for women expressing themselves on social media have emerged, with several women receiving lengthy prison terms for their online posts.
The imprisonment of Manahel al-Otaibi highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, despite the government’s claims of progress in these areas. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by activists and individuals who dare to speak out against injustices and push for social change in the conservative kingdom.