Saudi Arabia confirms a fitness influencer received an 11-year sentence over 'terrorist offenses'
The Hindu
A female fitness instruction who was popular online received an 11-year prison sentence.
Saudi Arabia confirmed in a letter to the United Nations that a female fitness instruction who was popular online received an 11-year prison sentence but did not specify any of her alleged “terrorism offenses.”
Though the kingdom insisted the case had nothing to do with the instructor's online presence, human rights activists say the conviction levied against Manahel al-Otaibi shows the limits of expression in Saudi Arabia.
It also highlights another side of the kingdom, now run day-to-day by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who under his 88-year-old father King Salman has dramatically liberalized some aspects of women's lives in the country.
“Her charges related solely to her choice of clothing and expression of her views online, including calling on social media for an end to Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system, publishing videos of herself wearing ‘indecent clothes’ and ‘going to the shops without wearing an abaya,” said Amnesty International and ALQST, a London-based group advocating for human rights in Saudi Arabia that’s followed al-Otaibi’s case.
The human rights organization issued joint statements on Tuesday about al-Otaibi's prison sentence, first revealed in Saudi letter dated Jan. 25 and sent to the U.N.'s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In its letter, Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the U.N. in Geneva did not outline any of the evidence that convicted al-Otaibi while saying there had been “unfounded and uncorroborated allegations and claims” made about her case.
Al-Otaibi, who posted fitness videos on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, faced charges of “defaming the kingdom at home and abroad, calling for rebellion against public order and society’s traditions and customs, and challenging the judiciary and its justice,” according to court documents earlier seen by The Associated Press.
Trump threatens Canada with a 50% tariff on aircraft, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war between the two nations.
A Bangladesh flight lands in Karachi for the first time in 14 years, restoring vital air connectivity between the two nations.
Trump urges Putin to pause attacks on Kyiv for a week amid severe winter conditions affecting Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
Democrats block Senate funding bill amid negotiations, risking a government shutdown over immigration enforcement demands and agency accountability.
Russian drone attack kills three in southern Ukraine amid escalating tensions and upcoming U.S.-led peace talks.
Taiwan's military conducts drills to simulate repelling a potential Chinese invasion from the sea, enhancing defense capabilities.
The EU is set to sanction Iran's Revolutionary Guard for its violent protest crackdown, equating it with terrorist organizations.
Iran vows a powerful response to U.S. threats, emphasising readiness to protect its sovereignty amid nuclear deal tensions.
Lavrov questions the viability of U.S.-Ukraine security guarantees, expressing concerns over their impact on peace with Russia.
Denmark's Foreign Minister expresses optimism after constructive U.S. talks on Greenland, signaling improved relations and future discussions.
Russia calls for U.S.-Iran negotiations, warning that force could destabilize West Asia and lead to chaos.
Ukraine received 1,000 bodies from Russia, including remains of soldiers, confirming a rare exchange amid ongoing conflict.
A U.S. judge halts Trump administration's refugee detentions in Minnesota, affirming their rights while reviewing immigration status.