Saudi activist sentenced to 11 years in jail for immodest clothing, social media post on women’s rights

A female fitness instructor in Saudi Arabia was sentenced to 11 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court for her clothing choices and her advocacy for women’s rights on social media.

The Saudi government confirmed to the United Nations High Commission (UNHC) that Manahel al-Otaibi received her prison sentence on January 9, on what they termed as "terrorism offenses."

In a separate hearing, she was found guilty of another terrorism offense related to the use of social media to “broadcast or publish news, statements, false or malicious rumours, or the like for committing a terrorist crime.”

One of her social media posts featured the hashtag "#societyisready," calling for an end to male guardianship rules.

Al-Otaibi, a certified fitness trainer known for her vocal stance on women’s rights, was arrested in November 2022 and sentenced in January 2023.

Her sisters, also outspoken about women’s rights, have faced similar charges. 

Fouzia-al-Otaibi was accused of immodest attire and managed to flee Saudi Arabia before her arrest.

Another sister, Maryam, a prominent women’s rights advocate, was detained and later released in 2017 for speaking against guardianship rules.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned al-Otaibi's sentence and called for its immediate repeal.

Al-Otaibi's social media presence reveals her passion for yoga, fitness, and travel. 

Earlier, the activist appreciated some relaxation in restrictions by Crown Prince Mohamamd Bin Salman such as easing the dress code for women and several other measures. However, she was arrested a few years later.

She reportedly disappeared after arrest from November 2022 to April 2023. 

Later, Al-Otaibi was held in solitary confinement for four to five months after her arrest, during which she claimed to have suffered physical abuse which broke her leg, although Saudi authorities have denied these allegations.