Many of the women who fought for the #Women2Drive campaign have been detained in Saudi Arabia. This includes high profile women’s rights campaigners such as Loujain al-Hathloul, Iman al-Nafjan and Aziza al-Yousef. These arrests come just weeks before the lift of the driving ban is due to take place, in what should be an historic moment for women’s rights in the country.
Despite these activists being instrumental in lifting the ban, the crown prince Mohammaed Bin Salman is now claiming credit for it - showcasing it as one of his ‘’visionary reformist policies’’. Following their arrest, the Saudi media ran a smear campaign, sharing pictures of the activists with the word ‘’traitor’’ stamped in red across their faces.
In a few days, they will be charged. We must act soon to prevent this happening. Please put pressure on the Saudi Arabian authorities through your social channels to release these activists.
If you have a minute, share this post:
Many of the women who fought for #Women2Drive, have been detained in #SaudiArabia, just before the driving ban lifts. The Crown Prince #MBS may think he can silence them, but he will not silence us! #Beep4Freedom & tell him to free them now 🚘📢
If you have a bit more time: Please take a selfie or video in your car and direct it @KingSalman and #MBS, telling them that they cannot silence activism. #Beep4Freedom.
These peaceful women’s rights activists may now face up to 20 years in jail for their work on women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. We need to act now, to make sure they are not silenced.
Many thanks
Dana
Middle East and North Africa Regional Office
Amnesty International