Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — In a significant development highlighting the complexities of free speech and human rights in the Middle East, Salma al-Shehab, a Saudi national and doctoral student at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, has been released from prison in Saudi Arabia. Al-Shehab had been sentenced to 34 years in prison in 2022 for her activity on Twitter, a case that drew international condemnation and raised concerns about the state of freedom of expression in the Kingdom.
Background of the Case
Salma al-Shehab, 34, is a mother of two and a member of Saudi Arabia’s Shiite Muslim minority. She was pursuing her PhD in dental hygiene at the University of Leeds and also served as a lecturer at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh. In January 2021, during a family vacation to Saudi Arabia, she was arrested by Saudi authorities. The charges against her were primarily related to her social media activity, where she had expressed support for women’s rights and called for reforms within the Kingdom.
Initially, al-Shehab was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of violating the country’s counter-terrorism and anti-cybercrime laws. However, in August 2022, an appeals court dramatically increased her sentence to 34 years, accompanied by a 34-year travel ban to commence following her release. This severe escalation was based on accusations of “disturbing public order” and “destabilizing the social fabric,” stemming solely from her social media posts.
The harshness of al-Shehab’s sentence sparked widespread international criticism. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Freedom House, condemned the ruling as a blatant violation of free speech and human rights. The University of Leeds expressed deep concern for their student, and the case became emblematic of the broader crackdown on dissent in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
International Outcry and Legal Proceedings
The international response to al-Shehab’s case was swift and severe. Governments, human rights organizations, and academic institutions worldwide voiced their condemnation of the Saudi court’s decision. Many argued that her sentence was a reflection of the broader suppression of dissent and the severe restrictions on free expression in the Kingdom.
In January 2025, following sustained international pressure and advocacy, reports emerged that al-Shehab’s sentence had been reduced to four years in prison, with an additional four years suspended. This reduction paved the way for her eventual release, although specific details about the legal proceedings leading to this outcome remain limited.
Release and Current Status
As of February 2025, Salma al-Shehab has been released from prison. Her release was confirmed by ALQST, a London-based Saudi rights group, and Amnesty International. However, it is important to note that while she is no longer incarcerated, al-Shehab remains subject to a 34-year travel ban, effectively preventing her from returning to the United Kingdom to resume her studies at the University of Leeds.
The Saudi government has not officially acknowledged her release, and officials have not responded to requests for comment. This lack of transparency is consistent with the Kingdom’s approach to similar cases in the past, where information about political detainees and their legal statuses is often withheld from the public domain.
Implications for Free Speech and Human Rights
Al-Shehab’s case has underscored the ongoing challenges related to freedom of expression and human rights in Saudi Arabia. Despite the Crown Prince’s efforts to modernize the Kingdom through economic and social reforms, including lifting the ban on women driving and promoting entertainment and tourism, the government continues to suppress political dissent and limit free speech. The use of broad anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to silence activists and critics has been a particular point of concern among international observers.
The international community’s reaction to al-Shehab’s sentencing and subsequent release reflects a growing awareness and condemnation of such practices. However, while her release is a positive development, the conditions attached to it, including the extensive travel ban, highlight the persistent restrictions on individual freedoms within the Kingdom.
Broader Context of Political Detentions
Salma al-Shehab’s case is not isolated. In recent months, Saudi Arabia has reportedly released several political prisoners, including individuals detained for their social media posts criticizing the government. Among them is Asaad al-Ghamdi, who was sentenced to 20 years for his online activities. While the exact number of released prisoners is unclear, estimates suggest that it could exceed 100. These moves are seen as efforts to improve the Kingdom’s human rights image amidst a decade-long crackdown on various dissenters under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rule.
Despite these releases, activists remain critical, citing arbitrary judicial processes and oppressive conditions continuing for released prisoners. Rights groups urge for comprehensive freedom and participation for all political detainees in Saudi Arabia’s future. The continued use of vague legal provisions to detain individuals for peaceful activism or expression remains a significant concern.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
The international community has cautiously welcomed al-Shehab’s release. Amnesty International emphasized that while her release is a positive step, it does not absolve the Saudi authorities of the broader pattern of repression against activists and dissidents. The organization called for the lifting of all restrictions imposed on al-Shehab and other released prisoners, including travel bans and social media prohibitions.
The University of Leeds expressed relief at the news of al-Shehab’s release, reiterating their concern for her well-being and their hope that she would soon be able to return to the United Kingdom to resume her studies. British lawmakers have also urged the Saudi government to lift the travel ban imposed on al-Shehab, describing it as an “unjust and unnecessary” restriction.
What Lies Ahead?
The case of Salma al-Shehab has reignited debates about the balance between modernization efforts and political freedoms in Saudi Arabia. While the Kingdom has taken notable steps towards economic reform and diversification, its approach to civil liberties remains a major point of contention. Analysts suggest that the release of high-profile prisoners like al-Shehab could be part of a broader strategy to improve relations with Western governments and attract foreign investment.
However, the extensive travel bans and restrictions that often accompany such releases indicate that Saudi authorities remain unwilling to fully relax their grip on political dissent. For al-Shehab and others like her, the road to true freedom remains uncertain.
As the world watches closely, the future of political and civil rights in Saudi Arabia will likely continue to be a contentious issue on the international stage. For Salma al-Shehab, her release marks the end of one battle but the beginning of another — a fight to reclaim her freedom and voice, both at home and abroad.
Unlocking AI’s Potential: Bridging Saudi Arabia’s Generational Workforce Divide
