Activism takes many forms. Some individuals organise peaceful protests, while others attack works of art. In regions such as Europe, Australia, or North America, activism tends to differ significantly from that in Asia or Africa, where even disapproving looks or wearing trousers can lead to imprisonment.

Despite these harsh conditions, countless people worldwide continue to prioritise the fight for human rights over their safety, health and even lives. One such individual is Manahel al-Otaibi, a 30-year-old fitness trainer and women's rights activist who has courageously fought for freedom in Saudi Arabia.

In January 2024, Manahel al-Otaibi was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Saudi court following a secret trial for "terrorist offences." In fact, Al-Otaibi was punished for advocating women's rights through social media. She was among the first to use the hashtag #IAmMyOwnGuardian, calling for the abolition of the male guardianship system, which requires women to seek permission from their husband or a male relative to travel or marry. Her sisters, Maryam and Fawzia, also used the hashtag.

Their activism was met with fierce opposition. The women faced threats and intimidation and were eventually arrested. In 2022, Saudi authorities accused Manahel al-Otaibi of "leading a propaganda campaign to incite girls to reject religious principles and rebel against customs and traditions in Saudi culture." By November 2022, she had been arrested and charged with "tweeting in support of women's rights and posting photos without wearing traditional clothing." While in custody, al-Otaibi was reportedly subjected to brutal assaults by both fellow inmates and prison guards.

The account of the arrested activist’s ordeal was shared by her sister, Fawzia, who escaped arrest by fleeing to Bahrain.

"She was very afraid [when we spoke to her by phone] but was strong enough to tell us about the incident and what happened despite their threats to try to keep her silent," Fawzia told The Guardian.

"I believe they are punishing and torturing Manahel because they are unable to punish me," she said. "She told us that if communication is interrupted again next week [when she is due to call her family again] then it means they have punished her for telling us about everything that happened."

During the latest attack of aggression, which took place last week, Manahel was stabbed in the face with a sharp pen. Lina al-Hathloul, head of monitoring and advocacy at ALQST, an organisation that documents human rights in Saudi Arabia, said in an interview with The Guardian:

"This is the latest in a series of appalling attacks that Manahel has faced in prison, with the Saudi authorities not only turning a blind eye to the abuse but actively facilitating it, including by preventing her from making complaints, placing her in solitary confinement and putting her in cells where she is vulnerable to further violence. This is part of a wider pattern in which the authorities are callously toying with the lives of Saudi prisoners of conscience, with potentially lethal consequences."

Source: The Guardian