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.
