Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul released after 1,001 days in prison

Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul (file picture)
REUTERS
April Roach @aprilroach2810 February 2021

Saudiwomen’s right activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been released from prison, her family has revealed.

Loujain al-Hathloul is a Nobel-prize nominated campaigner who successfully campaigned to win Saudi women the right to drive.

She was arrested in May 2018 and found guilty in December by the kingdom’s anti-terrorism court on charges including agitating for change, pursuing a foreign agenda and using the internet to harm public order.

Ms Hathloul was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison, including a two-year and 10 month suspension.

But her family said on Wednesday that she had been released from prison and returned to her family home.

Ms Hathloul's brother, Walid al-Hathloul, told CNN: "We're excited (about her release), but the fight for justice is not over yet.”

He stressed that Ms Hathloul has not been “freed” as her release does not include lifting of a travel ban and it “does not include an independent investigation of the charges”.

Ms Hathloul’s sister tweeted on Wednesday: “Loujain is at home!!!!!!"

Another sister, Alia, said that "this is the best day of my life".

US President Joe Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan welcomed Ms Hathloul's release from prison.

He said on Twitter: “Pleased to see the release of Loujain al-Hathloul. This is a good thing.”

Ms Al-Hathloul was among a handful of Saudi women who openly called for the right to drive before it was granted in 2018, as well as the removal of male guardianship laws that had long stifled women’s freedom of movement and ability to travel abroad.

Her family allege she was subjected to torture including electric shocks, whippings and sexual harassment.

The Saudi government has denied allegations of torture.

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