Saudi Female Rights Activist Loujain al-Hathloul Sentenced

Saudi female rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul, a prominent figure in securing women the right to drive and attempting to end the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia, has been sentenced to five years and eight months of prison time. The charges, passed down by the Specialized Criminal Court, included trying to harm national security and the advance of a foreign agenda.

The 31 year old al-Hathloul has been detained since May of 2018, when she was arrested with several other female activists. According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, some of these women, including al-Hathloul, have reported being tortured. Alleged methods of abuse include electric shocks, whippings, and sexual assault. Saudi Arabia, of course, has denied these claims.

Reforms in Saudi Arabia

In June of 2018 women were finally granted the right to drive in the fiercely conservative absolute monarchy. In August of 2019 the male guardianship system was weakened, though not completely abolished. Despite these wins for the causes Loujain al-Hathloul championed, she remains in custody.

Loujain al-Hathloul’s sister, Lina al-Hathloul, broke the news of the prison sentence on Twitter. She also revealed a suspension of 2 years and 10 months in addition to time served. A five year travel ban has also been given to Loujain al-Hathloul. Both the public prosecutor and al-Hathloul may appeal. It is hoped that with the suspension she will be released in two months.

Reform Efforts Falling Short

Despite efforts by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman since 2017 to reform the theocratic and authoritarian nation, Saudi Arabia continues to crackdown on dissent. Intellectuals, clerics, women’s rights activists, and even members of the royal family have been arrested. The murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in October of 2018 also cast doubt on the nation’s commitment to reform.

The treatment of Loujain al-Hathloul has further damaged the Crown Prince’s reputation. With her brave activism and subsequent incarceration she has become a face symbolizing the human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Amnesty International previously condemned the transfer of al-Hathloul’s case to the Specialized Criminal Court, which was created to try terrorism cases.

Relations with United States

Saudi Arabia continues to enjoy close relations with the United States, particularly with the administration of Donald Trump. In November of 2017 Trump praised the arrest of hundreds of businessmen, officials, and royal family members for alleged corruption. Trump also tepidly defended Mohammed Bin Salman, even as the CIA concluded that the Crown Prince ordered the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In a written statement after the CIA investigation Trump stated, “Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the crown prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!"

Joe Biden has said he will “reassess” the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Though what this will mean in practice is unclear at this time.