Human rights groups are advocating for the release of a Saudi woman who has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for her involvement in advocating women's rights and her choice of attire. Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old fitness instructor and women's rights activist, was convicted during a secretive hearing at Saudi Arabia's Specialized Criminal Court on January 9, 2024. The decision to imprison al-Otaibi only came to light weeks later after the Saudi government responded to a request from United Nations Special Rapporteurs for information about the case.
Al-Otaibi is accused of terrorist offenses, with her arrest reportedly linked to her clothing choices and online expression, including criticizing Saudi Arabia's male guardianship system and posting videos of herself in attire deemed 'indecent' by authorities. Her sister, Fawzia al-Otaibi, faces similar charges but managed to flee the country after being summoned for questioning in 2022.
Amnesty International and the Saudi rights organization ALQST have called for Manahel al-Otaibi's immediate and unconditional release, arguing that her imprisonment contradicts the Saudi authorities' claims of promoting women's rights and reform. The groups have highlighted the alleged physical and psychological abuse al-Otaibi faced in Malaz Prison, including being held in solitary confinement and sustaining a broken leg due to mistreatment.
While Saudi Arabia has made some strides in easing restrictions on women under the male guardianship system, significant discriminatory practices persist. The 2022 Personal Status Law, intended as a reform, has been criticized for entrenching restrictive elements of the system related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.
Al-Otaibi's case underscores a broader crackdown on free speech in Saudi Arabia, particularly online expression. In recent years, Saudi courts have handed down lengthy prison sentences to numerous individuals, including women, for their social media posts. Al-Otaibi's arrest, despite her belief in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reform agenda, exemplifies the challenges faced by those advocating for change in the kingdom.
