Waleed Mohammed Al Smani
Minister of Justice
P.O.Box 7775, 
Postal Code 11472, 
RIYADH
SAUDI ARABIA

e mail: minister-office@moj.gov.sa 


Dijk en Waard, datum


Your Excellency,

I write You as someone who is also in his own country concerned with the respect of Human Rights. 
I wish to express my great concern about the situation of

SALMA AL-SHEHAB

I am alarmed to learn that the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh resentenced Salma al-Shehab to 27 years in prison followed by a 27-year travel ban on 25 January 2023. The SCC convicted her of terrorism related offences including “supporting those who seek to disrupt public order, destabilize security and the stability of the state” and publishing tweets that “disturb public order, destabilize the security of society and the stability of the state.” These charges arose from the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression through tweets Salma al-Shehab published on her account in support of women’s rights. 

Salma al-Shehab’s trial began on 25 October 2021. She was detained in solitary confinement for 285 days before she was brought to trial. This is in violation of international fair trial standards and Saudi Arabia’s own Law on Criminal Procedures. 

I urge You to order the immediate and unconditional release of Salma al-Shehab and the quashing of her conviction and sentence as she is being held solely for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression. 

I thank You for Your attention in this very important matter, I am kindly awaiting for positive news about Salma al-Shehab.

Yours sincerely and respectfully,

Ondertekening

The Netherlands