Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that is critical for democratic societies. However, we are seeing this valued freedom under regular attack in many countries including Saudi Arabia.
Salma al-Shehab, a dental hygienist and mother of two young children, was arrested on 15 January 2021 while on vacation in Saudi Arabia. Her crime? Publishing tweets in support of women rights activists and expressing support for prisoners of conscience.
This PhD student from Leeds University, UK, where she was also residing before her detention, was kept in solitary confinement and questioned for over nine and a half months before being brought before Saudi Arabia’s Specialised Criminal Court (SCC).
The SCC was set up with a remit to handle terrorism cases, but the authorities have systematically used it to target peaceful critics and human rights defenders, such as al-Shehab.
She faced charges under Saudi Arabia’s severe Counter-Terrorism Law, for "undermining public order" and "destabilising the security of society and the stability of the state". And sentenced to a 27-year prison term, reduced from a 34-year term, followed by a travel ban of the same length.
Her sentencing shows how countries like Saudi Arabia, are using laws about terrorism and cybercrime to punish people who speak up for what they believe in. We cannot sit back and allow this to continue to happen.
Add your name to this petition: help us call on high authorities to immediately release Salma and reform laws to uphold freedom of speech.