Update: Nassima al-Sada Released from Prison on June 27, 2021

About Nassima al-Sada’s release

Free Nassima al-Sada

Amnesty International campaign for Nassima al-Sada

H. R. H. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
Deputy Prime Minister
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Your Excellency:

Progressive reforms for women that you’ve introduced include ending the ban on female driving and diminishing male guardianship requirements. Nassima al-Sada is among the millions of people around the world who welcome these changes. In fact, Nassima campaigned for these same human rights that you defended into law, yet years later she is still in Dhahban Central Prison. 

In 2018, Saudi authorities arrested Nassima for championing the same equal rights for the people of Saudi Arabia that you have now established. She was held in solitary confinement for a year, and for months at a time was not allowed to see her lawyer or her own children.

I read that Nassima cares for a plant in her prison cell. Even without sunshine, fresh air, and butterflies, she cultivates life, hope, and freedom. I think I understand this. After losing nearly everything in my life, I started over in a cold, grey city thousands of miles from everything I’ve ever known. Though it rains and snows here and the sun doesn’t shine often, I work hard and against all odds to grow the tropical plants and flowers of my previous life because some dreams will never die. Life, hope, and freedom belong to everyone. Nassima and you are not so far apart; you both want the people of Saudi Arabia to flourish.

I respectfully urge you to release Nassima al-Sada and all detained human rights defenders and activists. They are among your country’s greatest strengths and together you have an unprecedented opportunity to establish equality for everyone. When everyone in your kingdom is empowered and free, imagine what more Saudi Arabia will accomplish!