After enduring four years of mprisonment for advocating women’s rights, Saudi activist Salma al-Shehab has finally been released.
Arrested on bogus terrorism-related charges simply for tweeting in support of women’s rights, she faced harsh treatment, including 300 days in solitary confinement, denial of legal counsel, and a shocking 34-year prison sentence at one point.
According to Amnesty International, Salma’s release marks a significant win for human rights advocates worldwide, particularly those who rallied behind her cause.
Amnesty International led a global campaign, garnering over 100,000 signatures, sparking social media movements, and organizing protests demanding justice. Their efforts, alongside countless voices of solidarity, played a crucial role in securing her freedom.
However, the fight is far from over. Many remain unjustly detained in Saudi Arabia for their online activism, including Manahel al-Otaibi (serving 11 years for supporting women’s rights online), Mohammed al-Ghamdi (serving 30 years for critical tweets), and Abdulrahman al-Sadhan (jailed for 20 years for satirical posts). Amnesty International continues to demand their immediate and unconditional release, asserting that no one should be punished for expressing their opinions.
While Salma al-Shehab’s freedom is a moment to celebrate, activists warn against travel bans and other restrictions that could be imposed on her. The global community remains vigilant, ensuring that human rights defenders are not silenced for speaking out.
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