Saudi women’s rights activist released after nearly three years in prison

Al Hathloul was arrested in May 2018. Her charges included communicating with Saudi dissidents abroad, seeking to change the kingdom’s political system, and speaking with foreign diplomats and journalists, according to the New York Times.

The activist’s family celebrated her return on social media, with her sister, Alia al Hathloul, calling it “the best day of my life,” according to an English translation of her tweet.

Though released, al Hathloul will be unable to travel outside the country for the next five years and will be on probation for the next three.

“Loujain is at home, but she is not free. The fight is not over,” her sister Lina al Hathloul said on Twitter. “I am not fully happy without the release of all political prisoners.”

In 2014, al Hathloul gained prominence by trying to cross the border from the United Arab Emirates into Saudi Arabia. She posted a video of her journey online and was detained for more than 70 days. Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women drivers in 2018.

In December 2020, the activist was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison, but two years and 10 months of that sentence was suspended by the judge. With her time served taken into account, a March release date was expected.

In reaction to the December sentencing, Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s national security adviser, tweeted, “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.”

“Pleased to see the release of Loujain al-Hathloul,” he said Wednesday. “This is a good thing.”

During a press conference with reporters at the Pentagon, Biden reacted to the release, calling it “welcome news.”

“She was a powerful advocate for women’s rights, and releasing her was the right thing to do,” he said.

Al Hathloul’s sisters thanked the president for his support on Twitter.

Last week, Salah al Haidar, the son of a prominent women’s rights activist, and Bader al Ibrahim, a writer and physician, both of whom have dual citizenship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, were released on bail after intense pressure from Congress.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee called the decision a “positive, but long overdue step.”