Saudi Arabia: CFWIJ welcomes the release of feminist activist Loujain Al-Hathloul

February 11, 2021, Riyadh: Loujain Al-Hathloul was finally released on Wednesday night after spending 1001 days in prison. She had been framed under allegations of “espionage” and “conspiring” against the kingdom because of her activism for women’s rights and criticism of the Saudi authorities.

Loujain was taken into custody in May 2018, although was formally arrested in December 2020. There were several reports of mistreatment during Loujain’s time in prison; her family alleged that Loujain was being tortured on the direct orders of Muhammad Bin Salman’s trusted aide Saud al-Qahtani, they also claimed that Loujain was being sexually harassed. Prior to her formal arrest, Loujain was not allowed to contact her family either. She went on a hunger strike in protest of this, and the results on her health were evident when she was finally presented in court.

The court sentenced Loujain to six years in prison, however, the years of conviction were decreased due to mounting international pressure. With the time spent in custody prior to arrest, counting towards total years in prison, Loujain was set to be released in March 2021. However, a tweet by her sister on Monday announced that the release has been preponed. Loujain was finally released on the night of February 10, 2021, to much international relief. The news was broken by her sister, Lina al-Hathloul, on Twitter. However, in response to a congratulatory message extended by President Biden, Lina clarified that a trial was still ongoing and Loujain, along with her family, has been banned from traveling in the meantime.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the release of Loujain al-Hathloul. The release marks a great victory for the fight women around the globe put up to create a better, more inclusive world. We condemn the actions of the Saudi authorities who attempted to steal 1,001 days of Loujain’s life of freedom and remind them that no authority should have the power to curb the rights of its women citizens.