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Saudi Arabia: Women's rights activist accused of 'propaganda'

2023-05-31T19:21:23.209Z

Highlights: Manahel al-Otaibi, in her thirties, was arrested for posting messages challenging male guardianship laws and requiring women to wear the traditional abaya. She was accused by the prosecution of conducting a "propaganda campaign aimed at inciting young Saudi girls to denounce religious principles and rebel against the customs and traditions of Saudi society" Her sister, Fouz, who left Saudi Arabia, has faced similar charges and could be jailed if she returns to the kingdom. If convicted, she faces a heavy prison sentence.


A women's rights activist, detained since November for publications on social networks, has been accused by the Saudi justice system...


A women's rights activist, detained since November for publications on social networks, has been accused by Saudi justice of launching a "propaganda campaign", according to court documents seen Wednesday (May 31st) by AFP.

Manahel al-Otaibi, in her thirties, was arrested for posting messages challenging male guardianship laws and requiring women to wear the traditional abaya, a long dress covering the body. She was accused by the prosecution of conducting a "propaganda campaign aimed at inciting young Saudi girls to denounce religious principles and rebel against the customs and traditions of Saudi society," according to the documents.

In January, she appeared before judges before being referred to the Specialized Criminal Court, a court established in 2008 to deal with terrorism-related cases but widely used to try political dissidents and human rights activists. Manahel al-Otaibi is awaiting trial and no date has yet been set for his hearing. If convicted, she faces a heavy prison sentence.

'Two states'

His sister, Fouz, who left Saudi Arabia, has faced similar charges and could be jailed if she returns to the kingdom. Authorities are targeting "influential women who are campaigning for women's rights," she told AFP. "There is a flagrant contradiction, as if two states coexist (...), a state aligned with the 'Vision 2030' and another state that continues to apply the old strict rules," she said, referring to the country's reform program that has granted women the right to drive.

Often accused of cracking down on dissent, Saudi Arabia handed down harsh prison sentences in August and September 2022 to two women who relayed critical messages on social media. London-based human rights group ALQST sharply criticized the charges against the al-Otaibi sisters, calling them "yet another example of Saudi Arabia's empty promises of reform." "Saudi women go to jail and face show trials simply for demanding their rights," said Lina al-Hathloul, an official with the association.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-05-31

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