Manahel al-Otaibi is part of Australia’s Write for Rights 2024 – the world’s biggest human rights event.

Manahel al-Otaibi, a fitness instructor and women’s rights activist, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison by Saudi Arabia’s notorious counter-terrorism court. Her so-called “crime”? Posting on social media in support of women’s rights and sharing photos of herself in public without an abaya.

Since her arrest in November 2022, she has faced relentless abuse, including torture, solitary confinement, and severe medical neglect. Her family has described how she was brutally beaten, left with a broken leg and denied medical treatment.

Manahel’s last phone call to her family was on 15 December 2024. Since then, her whereabouts are unknown.

Her family has made desperate attempts to reach her through prison authorities and the Saudi Arabian Human Rights Commission, but they have been ignored. The authorities’ refusal to disclose her location amounts to enforced disappearance, a crime under international law.

Her sister, Fawzia, has raised the alarm:

“My family is living through a true nightmare. Every time we lose contact with Manahel, we go into a state of panic, fearing for her safety.”

Saudi authorities claim they have made progress on women’s rights, but in reality, they continue to silence, imprison, and brutalize women who dare to speak out. Manahel is just one of many activists being persecuted for demanding basic freedoms.

Send Manahel a Message of Hope

Manahel has endured unimaginable cruelty, but she is not alone. Let’s make sure she knows that people around the world see her, stand with her, and will not stop fighting for her freedom.

You can write to Manahel to remind her that:

  • She is not forgotten. Her bravery has inspired people around the world, and we are standing with her.
  • She is loved and valued. Her voice, her dreams, and her courage matter.
  • She deserves freedom. No one should be punished for speaking up for justice and equality.
  • She is strong. Even in the darkest moments, there is hope.

Your message can be a letter, a postcard, or a drawing – anything that shows Manahel that she is not alone in this fight.

Let her see where support is coming from!