Saudia Arabia: CFWIJ welcomes the release of Nouf Abdulaziz

Photo by Hoda Osman

February 13, 2021- Writer and human rights activist Nouf Abdulaziz was released from  Saudi prison on February 10. Nouf was arrested during the authorities’ crackdown against activists and journalists in May 2018. The slew of detentions came before the Kingdom lifted the ban on women driving. Nouf’s release is conditional, which means she may still face jail time if she continues her activism. Nouf was held in Saudi detention for over two and half years for advocating for women's rights and denouncing the male guardianship system. Nouf was moved to solitary confinement during the early months of her imprisonment. She was even denied visits from her lawyer and family. CFWIJ welcomes the release of Nouf Abdulaziz. We demand all other activists wrongfully detained in Saudi prisons be immediately released. Nouf should be acquitted of the unfounded charges and afforded the right to exercise her freedom without conditions. 

Nouf Abdulaziz was arrested on June 6, 2018. Following the arrest, Mayyah Al-Zahrani, a friend of Nouf, shared a letter written by the activist. The letter was supposed to go public in case she was arrested. In her own words, Nouf described herself as “a daughter to a kind and noble family, who has suffered because of what happened to her. A graduate who could not afford to finish her degree. A writer and an avid reader since the age of 6.” Nouf questioned Saudi authorities why her homeland had become so unwelcoming and why she is treated as an enemy or traitor. After the letter was published, the police also arrested Mayyah Al-Zahrani for her role in releasing it. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism has followed the case of Nouf Abdulaziz in detail. Nouf kept her identity safe from social media and ran a compelling blog since 2011. Her fearless fight for women's rights and criticism of the male guardianship system provoked the Saudi authorities. The torture and sexual assault she suffered in prison are deplorable and a violation of human rights.

CFWIJ  welcomes Nouf’s release, but we remain concerned for her freedom as the charges against her have yet to be dropped. Her release is conditional, allowing the authorities to detain her again if she does not comply with their orders. CFWIJ demands Saudi authorities clear all charges against Nouf and respect her freedom of expression. We also urge the Saudi judiciary to release all prisoners of conscience from detention centers throughout the Kingdom.