Saudi Arabia frees women’s rights activist

Published February 2, 2015
Protestors stage a flogging in front of the Saudi embassy in Washington on January 15, 2015 in a protest against the controvesial prosecution of Saudi activist Raef Badawi — AFP/Nicholas Kamm
Protestors stage a flogging in front of the Saudi embassy in Washington on January 15, 2015 in a protest against the controvesial prosecution of Saudi activist Raef Badawi — AFP/Nicholas Kamm

RIYADH: A woman who co-founded the Saudi Liberal Network Internet discussion group with blogging activist Raef Badawi has been freed after about three months in prison, her daughter said on Sunday.

Suad al-Shammari had spent around 90 days at a women’s prison in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, her daughter Sarah al-Rimaly said. “She’s released now, thanks be to God,” Rimaly said.

She added that her mother was freed three days ago after signing a pledge “to reduce her activities”.

She was arrested in late October for insulting Islam, activists said at the time.

Shammari, who had posted comments on Twitter about Islamic religious leaders, could not immediately be reached for comment. Rimaly said her mother is fine but has been “suffering from a lack of nutrients” because she depends on a special diet. “She’s recovering now,” her daughter said.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2015

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