Saudi PhD Student Salma al-Shehab Released: A Symbol of Resistance and Ongoing Repression

Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi PhD student, has been released from prison after her original lengthy sentence was reduced. Accused of disturbing public order through her social media activity advocating for reforms, her case highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's regime.

Salma al-Shehab, a 36-year-old student at the University of Leeds, has been released from prison after her lengthy sentence for peaceably expressing her views on social media was reduced. Her plight has drawn attention from activists worldwide, marking her case as emblematic of the repression faced by individuals who voice dissent in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Shehab was initially arrested during a holiday in Saudi Arabia in 2021 and subsequently accused of "disturbing public order" through online posts advocating for social reforms and the liberation of activists. Although her sentence was raised to 34 years, it was later appealed and trimmed to four years, with an additional four years suspended. The reductions come amid growing international pressure for the kingdom to respect human rights.

Reports from UK-based rights organization ALQST confirmed her release and underscored the arbitrary nature of her imprisonment, emphasizing that al-Shehab’s activism was peaceful. They called for her full freedom, which includes the ability to continue her education at Leeds University.

The Saudi government, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been widely criticized for implementing stringent controls on public expression and social media, with a slew of peaceful protesters facing harsh sentences. Al-Shehab’s case fits a disturbing pattern of repressing those who advocate for women’s rights and social reform.

While her release presents a moment for celebration, human rights advocates, including Amnesty International's Dana Ahmed, stress the importance of reflecting on the many other individuals still imprisoned under similar allegations. Among those affected are women like Manahel al-Otaibi and Nourah al-Qahtani, both sentenced for standing up for women's rights.

The case of Salma al-Shehab serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for basic freedoms in Saudi Arabia, as activists continue to call for change in a landscape increasingly hostile to dissenting voices. The BBC has reached out for comments from the Saudi foreign ministry and the University of Leeds regarding this notable development.