Sentenced to over 5 years in prison, Al-Hathloul released after almost 3 years behind bars

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The Saudi authorities on Wednesday released women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul after she spent almost three years in prison, according to her sister.

“Loujain al-Hathloul at home after 1,001 days in prison,” her sister Lina wrote on Twitter.

She, however, did not give further details over the release of the Saudi activist. Her arrest was condemned by many international rights groups which repeatedly urged the Saudi authorities to release her.

The Saudi authorities have yet to comment on the announcement by al-Hathloul’s family.

On May 15, 2018, Saudi authorities arrested a number of female activists on human rights — including al-Hathloul, Samar Badawi, Nassima al-Sadah, Nouf Abdelaziz, and Mayaa al-Zahrani.

Several international rights watchdogs accused the Saudi authorities of jailing the female activists for defending women’s rights. Denying the accusations, authorities say Saudi Arabia is committed to implementing the law “transparently.”

–AA