Saudi Arabia’s authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old fitness instructor and women’s rights activist, who has been sentenced to 11 years in prison because of her choice of clothing and support for women’s rights, Amnesty International and ALQST said today. The decision directly contradicts the authorities’ narrative of reform and women’s empowerment.   […]
  • klemptor@startrek.websiteEnglish
    5·
    4 hours ago

    From the article:

    Following her arrest, Manahel al-Otaibi was subjected to physical and psychological abuse in Riyadh’s Malaz Prison, and she was forcibly disappeared for five months from 5 November 2023 until April 2024. On 14 April 2024, when she was finally able to contact her family again, she told them she was being held in solitary confinement and had a broken leg as a result of physical abuse. She also said she was denied health care.

    This is fucking despicable. For wearing unapproved clothing and speaking out against male guardianship?! How the fuck is this a moral way to treat anyone?

    I’m glad her sister was able to get out of Saudi Arabia in time. And I hope this woman gets justice, but I’m not holding my breath.