After 958 days in detention, a majority of which was spent in pre-trial detention, Loujain AlHathloul a leading Saudi women’s rights activist was sentenced to 5 years and 8 months in prison in court today by the Specialised Criminal Court (terrorism court).
The sentence includes a suspension of 2 years and 10 months in addition to the time already served (since May 2018) which would see Loujain’s release in approximately two months. Loujain is also required to serve three years of probation during which time she could be arrested for any perceived illegal activity. She will also be placed on a 5 year travel ban.
Loujain AlHathloul was charged with terrorism and labeled a traitor after her and other Saudi Activists were forcibly imprisoned after the driving ban was lifted by the Saudi Kingdom in May 2018. Loujain was one of the leaders of the Women2Drive campaign and fought for reforms on multiple fronts in Saudi Arabia. She was one of the first women to stand for elections in Saudi Arabia in 2015 - the first year that women were allowed both to vote and stand for elections. Loujain was working with other activists to open the first shelter for women fleeing domestic violence and she led the efforts to end male guardianship in the Saudi Kingdom.
The Saudi authorities instead of recognising Loujain and other activists for their efforts in pushing for reforms labeled them as traitors in a public campaign without any evidence in May 2018.
Loujain AlHathloul should be free, today. She is a hero and a leading voice on women's rights in Saudi Arabia.
Joining us in calling for Loujain's freedom today and everyday.