Saudi Arabia Reduces Sentence of PhD Student Salma al-Shehab After International Pressure

Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi PhD student, has been released from prison after her sentence for critical social media activity was significantly reduced. The global outcry over her imprisonment shines a spotlight on the broader issues of dissent and human rights in Saudi Arabia.

A 36-year-old PhD student at the University of Leeds, Salma al-Shehab, has reportedly been released from a Saudi prison following a reduction in her sentence related to her social media activity criticizing the government. Activists have called her prolonged incarceration arbitrary and indicative of the oppressive climate against peaceful expression in Saudi Arabia.

Shehab was arrested in 2021 while visiting the Gulf nation and was initially sentenced to six years by a terrorism tribunal for alleged charges of "disturbing public order" and "destabilizing the social fabric." However, her situation worsened when her sentence was extended to a staggering 34 years before it was later reduced to four years, with an additional four years suspended.

The release was announced by ALQST, a UK-based organization advocating for Saudi human rights. The group emphasized that Shehab's sentencing was unjust, arguing that her only crime was peaceful activism. They have called for her complete freedom, stressing the need for her to travel to complete her academic pursuits in the UK.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has intensified efforts to suppress dissent since assuming power, resulting in harsh penalties for peaceful critics. In recent years, numerous individuals have faced long prison sentences or worse for their online expressions of discontent. Shehab's case is emblematic of a wider pattern, as highlighted by Amnesty International, which has documented similar cases, including other women jailed for their advocacy.

Despite Shehab's release, activists and human rights organizations caution that many others in Saudi Arabia remain imprisoned for expressing their views online. This incident serves as both a victory for advocacy groups and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those who speak out against the Saudi regime.