The decision to imprison Saudi activist Loujain Al-Hathloul on charges of “implementing an external agenda and inciting to overthrow the government” has sparked international reactions, human rights organizations, and indignation on social media.
The French Foreign Ministry called for the “immediate release” of the Saudi human rights activist, Loujain Al-Hathloul.
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“As we have said publicly on several occasions, we want the speedy release of Mrs. Loujain Al-Hathloul,” the foreign ministry’s deputy spokesperson said.
He added, “France is reminded of its continuous action for human rights and equality between women and men.”
On the other hand, some media reported a tweet by the Saudi prince, Abd al-Rahman bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, saying that it came after the French statements, and it was stated in the tweet: “I call on France to quickly release those who were sentenced to 3 years in prison from zero jackets,” he said.
https://t.co/euQPYt837X
I call on France to quickly release those who have been sentenced to 3 years in prison from scratch jackets– Abdulrahman bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz (@abdulrahman) December 28, 2020
The ruling against Al-Hathloul also angered the United States, as the National Security Adviser in the administration of President-elect Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, criticized the ruling against the Saudi activist, describing it as “an unfair and disturbing judgment.”
“As we said, the Biden / Harris administration will stand against human rights violations wherever they occur,” Sullivan added.
Saudi Arabia’s sentencing of Loujain al-Hathloul for simply exercising her universal rights is unjust and troubling. As we have said, the Biden-Harris administration will stand up against human rights violations wherever they occur.
– Jake Sullivan (@jakejsullivan) December 28, 2020
The United Nations, in turn, denounced the decision, and the United Nations Human Rights Office expressed its concern about the decision of the Saudi judicial authorities, calling on the Kingdom to release it early as soon as possible.
#SaudiArabiaConviction and 5yrs 8 month sentence handed down to prominent women’s rights campaigner #LoujainAlHathloul, already arbitrarily detained for 2 ½ years, is also deeply troubling. We understand early release is possible, and strongly encourage it as matter of urgency.
– UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) December 28, 2020
Activists on social media condemned the decision against Al-Hathloul and demanded her release.
Women’s rights advocate @LoujainHathloul has been sentenced to 5 years & 8 months in prison by #SaudiArabia – all for advocating for basic rights.
Let me remind you that Saud al-Qahtani, who tortured Loujain & is linked to Khashoggi’s murder didn’t even get a week. Unbelievable.
– Reem Abdellatif (@Reem_Abdellatif) December 28, 2020
Women’s rights advocate @LoujainHathloul has been sentenced to 5 years & 8 months in prison by #SaudiArabia – all for advocating for basic rights.
Let me remind you that Saud al-Qahtani, who tortured Loujain & is linked to Khashoggi’s murder didn’t even get a week. Unbelievable.
– Reem Abdellatif (@Reem_Abdellatif) December 28, 2020
Earlier Monday, local media and family sources reported that a Saudi court specialized in terrorism cases had sentenced Al-Hathloul to 5 years and 8 months in prison, in a trial process that sparked international condemnation.
Al-Hathloul, 31, has been detained by the Saudi authorities since May 15, 2018, after she was arrested along with at least 12 women’s rights activists.
Source: RT
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