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Saudi Arabia: UN experts concerned over human rights violations against 2 women activists

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Press release

Geneva – May 9, 2024

 

UN human rights experts have expressed deep concern over reports of the criminalization and detention of women human rights defenders, Manahel and Fouz al-Otaibi, in Saudi Arabia. They emphasized that these allegations raise serious fears regarding the violation of their right to freedom of expression.

According to experts, Manahel al-Otaibi, a certified fitness instructor and artist, is known for her social media activism promoting women’s empowerment and advocating for liberal dress codes, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of male

guardianship laws in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Fouz al-Otaibi, a social media activist, has criticized the Saudi government and shared personal content that sparked controversy among religious conservatives.

The experts highlighted that Manahel al-Otaibi was arrested on November 16, 2022, due to her social media posts criticizing male guardianship laws and dress codes in Saudi Arabia. She faces charges under the Anti-Cybercrime Law, including “opposing laws related to women” and “publishing indecent content.” Meanwhile, Fouz al-Otaibi fled Saudi Arabia to avoid arrest under similar accusations.

The trial of Manahel al-Otaibi, originally scheduled for July 26, 2023, was indefinitely postponed. Reports suggest that she has faced abuse and solitary confinement in al-Malaz prison, with restricted contact with her family. Experts view these actions as retaliatory against their activism for women’s rights and freedom of expression, violating international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Concerns were also raised over the use of the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC), known for trying terrorism-related cases, to prosecute Manahel al-Otaibi, casting doubts on legal procedures and fairness. Moreover, the broad application of the Anti-Cybercrime Law to suppress online dissent undermines the right to freedom of expression.

The experts have called on Saudi authorities to provide additional information and comments on the accusations against Manahel and Fouz al-Otaibi, clarify the legal grounds for Manahel al-Otaibi’s arrest and detention, ensure her access to family, legal counsel, and medical support during detention, and take necessary measures to enable all human rights defenders, especially those advocating for women’s rights, to work without fear of harassment or restrictions.

For more information and media requests or inquiries, please get in touch with us (+41229403538 / media@cfjustice.org)

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