Dear JOhn

It’s been almost 500 days since Loujain al-Hathloul was arrested alongside other women in Saudi Arabia. Their ‘crime’? Campaigning for women’s rights in the Kingdom.

Loujain's sister is calling on us all to take action

Yesterday Lina, Loujain's sister, took the floor at the UN Human Rights Council to ask for help in securing her release. Her words were powerful:

“Loujain did not get to drive in her home town of Riyadh because she was arrested right before the Saudi government lifted the driving ban for women.

“Loujain did not get to travel without needing to get permission from her male guardian, a right she has fought, for not for herself, but for others...

“They labelled her a traitor. They tortured her. They attempted to trade her freedom in exchange for her publicly denying the torture.

“I am here today, despite the high risk of reprisals to Loujain, my family and myself to call on all states and this council to demand that the Saudi government immediately and unconditionally release my sister.”

Stand with Lina and her family

Today Lina will speak again at another event at the UN Human Rights Council organized by the Free Saudi Activists Coalition, which includes Equality Now.

As Lina said herself, just by speaking out she is risking reprisals against her sister and her family. Let her know that you are with her.

Don’t have Twitter or Facebook? Reply to this email and we’ll pass your message on.

Advocating for the protection of human rights is not a crime. Arresting human rights defenders should not be tolerated.

In Solidarity,

Suad Abu-Dayyeh

Middle East and North Africa Consultant

PS: 250,000 people have signed the petition calling for the UN to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. Add your name today.