Saudi Arabia: CFWIJ calls on Saudi judicial authorities to release Nouf Abdulaziz

November 28, 2020— Writer and activist Nouf Abdulaziz was arrested on June 6, 2018, during a raid on her residence in Riyadh. Nouf was always vocal about women’s issues and the human rights violations committed by Saudi authorities. Despite facing pressure from the authorities, Nouf wrote fearlessly on the unlawful arrests prevalent throughout the kingdom. She was arrested during the crackdown against activists and journalists that began in May 2018. Nouf’s health has reportedly deteriorated after the brutal physical torture she suffered in prison. The activist was put in solitary confinement and sexually molested. Saudi authorities have accused Nouf of communicating with foreign entities and hiring state employees to gather confidential and sensitive information regarding state activities. She also faces allegations of financially supporting foreign organizations hostile towards the kingdom. CFWIJ refutes the unfounded charges and considers these allegations a tactic to keep Nouf behind bars. We demand the Saudi judicial authorities drop the charges against Nouf Abdulaziz and other prisoners of conscience. 

Following Nouf’s arrest, her friend Mayyah Al-Zahrani shared a letter written by the activist. In the letter, Nouf narrates, “Why is our homeland so small and tight and I'm considered an enemy or criminal that threatens it. I was nothing but a good citizen who loved her homeland and wanted best in its interest”. After the letter was published, Mayyah Al-Zahrani was also arrested. Nouf was detained at an undisclosed location before being transferred to Al-Ha’ir prison. She was denied access to legal counsel and suffered ill-treatment at the hands of the prison authorities. In November 2018, a report stated Saudi authorities assaulted at least three women prisoners with electric shocks and lashings— one of them even tried to commit suicide. 

Al-Qst reported that the trial held on March 13, 2019, listed Nouf Abdulaziz as one of the defendants. Nouf did not have access to a lawyer and did not appear before the court that day. At least three hearings were conducted between March and April of 2019. In a Twitter thread posted on June 6, 2019, Nouf Abdulaziz was charged for violating cybercrime laws and communicating with foreign human rights organizations. During her imprisonment, Nouf was assaulted, and her health condition was described as precarious after several beatings. 

On July 18, 2019, Nouf Abdulaziz was summoned to the Riyadh criminal court, where she was convicted for posting objectionable material on social media. On February 19, 2020, the activist was called in for a secret hearing of the trial with the other detainees. On March 4, 2020, Nouf Abdulaziz attended the trial, but the public prosecutor requested a postponement to gather more evidence. The next scheduled hearing has yet to be announced. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled by the harrowing torture of Nouf Abdulaziz. We demand the Saudi judicial authorities drop the baseless charges and release Nouf immediately. We also urge global human rights organizations to join efforts and take action against the continued abuse. Saudi Arabia has a long history of committing human rights violations, especially against women activists and journalists, and such injustices must end.