I call on the authorities in Saudi Arabia to immediately and unconditionally release Manahel al-Otaibi, a 31-year-old fitness instructor and women’s rights activist, who was sentenced to five years in prison in August. Manahel was forcibly disappeared in November 2022 after being detained for tweeting in support of women’s rights and for posting photos without wearing an abaya. During her detention, she endured repeated beatings from other inmates. Manahel is being held solely for exercising her right to freedom of expression and advocating for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

Manahel’s case is emblematic of the harsh reality facing many women’s rights activists in Saudi Arabia, a country where expressing dissent or pushing for reform can result in severe punishment. Her unjust imprisonment sends a chilling message to other activists who work tirelessly toward achieving equality and promoting human rights. The international community must not remain silent while individuals like Manahel suffer grave injustices.

According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia has a history of arresting and detaining those who speak out against human rights violations. This troubling pattern must end, and Manahel’s release would be a significant step toward demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to upholding basic human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right to freedom of opinion and expression, rights that Manahel has been deprived of.

I urge human rights organizations, world leaders, and concerned individuals to put pressure on the Saudi authorities to right this terrible wrong. Let us stand together in support of Manahel al-Otaibi and push for her freedom. Sign this petition to demand that Saudi Arabia ends this grave injustice and respects the rights of its citizens to freely express themselves.