Saudi Arabia sentenced a female fitness instructor to 11 years in prison for unspecified terrorism offenses. The case of Manahel al-Otaibi sheds light on the limits of expression in the kingdom, despite supposed liberalization efforts by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The charges against al-Otaibi were related to her choice of clothing and expressing her views online, including calling for an end to Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system and wearing “indecent clothes.” Her posts advocating for liberal dress codes for women, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of male guardianship laws led to her arrest in November 2022.
In a letter to the United Nations, Saudi Arabia did not provide any evidence regarding al-Otaibi’s conviction but claimed that allegations against her were unfounded and uncorroborated. The Saudi government stated that the exercise and defense of rights is not a crime under its law, but justifying actions of terrorists by describing them as exercising or defending rights is unacceptable. Her sister Fouz faced similar charges but fled the country. These cases demonstrate the ongoing repression of dissenting voices in Saudi Arabia, despite some recent social reforms.
Amnesty International and ALQST, a human rights advocacy group, raised concerns about al-Otaibi’s case, noting that her charges were related to her online presence and activism. The fitness instructor was accused of defaming the kingdom at home and abroad, calling for rebellion against public order and society’s traditions, and challenging the judiciary and its justice. These accusations reflect the government’s crackdown on individuals who speak out against the regime or advocate for social change. The Saudi authorities are trying to stifle dissent and maintain control over the population.
Since Prince Mohammed bin Salman solidified his power, partly by imprisoning members of the Saudi elite, the kingdom has seen limited social reforms such as allowing women to drive and lifting other restrictions. However, the case of al-Otaibi and other activists being arrested demonstrate that freedom of expression is still severely restricted in Saudi Arabia. The government’s response to dissent has been to label activists as terrorists or threats to society, undermining their legitimate calls for social change and human rights. The repression of individuals like al-Otaibi highlights the ongoing struggles for freedom and democracy in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s response to al-Otaibi’s case shows a pattern of cracking down on activists and individuals who challenge the status quo. The government’s letter to the United Nations attempted to justify the prison sentence by claiming that the actions of terrorists cannot be equated with the exercise and defense of rights. This rhetoric is used to silence dissent and portray activists as threats to national security. Despite some progress in social reforms, the reality on the ground is that individuals like al-Otaibi continue to face harsh punishments for advocating for basic rights and freedoms.
The international community should pay attention to cases like al-Otaibi’s and speak out against human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression must be met with global condemnation and calls for justice. Individuals like al-Otaibi should not be imprisoned for peacefully advocating for social change and challenging oppressive laws. The situation in Saudi Arabia highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in a country that continues to suppress dissenting voices and violate fundamental freedoms.
