One of Saudi Arabia’s women’s rights activists, Lujain Al Hathloul, was released from prison on Wednesday after nearly three years. Her family gave this information. 31-year-old Lujain insisted on lifting the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia and was sentenced to almost six years in prison last December under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Lujain remained in jail for 1001 days in which he had to stay in custody before trial. They were accused of agitating for change and advancing foreign agendas. At the same time, human rights organizations called it politically motivated. Her sister Lina Hull Hathloul tweeted, ‘Lujain is in the house.’
She told his family that she was tortured and sexually abused in prison. Riyadh has consistently denied these allegations. Her detention was condemned by the UN and other global human rights groups.
According to the statement issued by Hathlol’s family, she was sentenced to five years and eight months in jail by the Special Criminal Court in Riyadh last December. It includes a two-year and 10-month suspension.
According to the family’s statement, Hathoul will remain on probation for three years despite release. During this time, she can be detained for any illegal activity. Hathloul’s travel has been banned for five years.
Her release comes when less than a week ago, the White House asked the Kingdom to release political prisoners, including women rights activists. US President Joe Biden vowed to pressure Saudi Arabia to improve its record of rights.
