Timeline of Maha Al-Refaidi’s Case: A Tale of Injustice and Repression

Maha Al-Refaidi, a Saudi activist known for her unwavering commitment to human rights, has faced a relentless campaign of repression by the Saudi authorities. Her arrest in 2019 marked the beginning of a brutal journey through the kingdom’s justice system, a journey characterised by forced disappearance, solitary confinement, and a draconian prison sentence. Maha’s case highlights the ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent in Saudi Arabia, where activists like her are punished simply for advocating for fundamental freedoms.

September 28, 2019
In the early hours of September 28, 2019, Maha Al-Refaidi, a Saudi activist known for her advocacy for human rights, was violently arrested at her home. A force of approximately 30 armed individuals, many of them masked, stormed her residence. The group included personnel in both civilian attire and military uniforms. They forcefully detained Maha, seizing her electronic devices, books, and personal belongings. The arrest marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would last for years.

September 28, 2019 – Late 2019
Following her arrest, Maha was subjected to two months of solitary confinement. This period of isolation was not only emotionally and psychologically taxing but also served as a tactic to suppress her voice and break her spirit. After these two months, she was transferred to the general prison population. However, her suffering was far from over. During her detention, Maha was forcibly disappeared for four months, during which her whereabouts were unknown to her family and the outside world.

Late 2019 – Early 2020
During a visit in this period, Maha’s family noticed bruises on her face, raising grave concerns about her treatment in custody. The visible injuries strongly suggested that she had been subjected to physical abuse, likely as a means of coercion or punishment. Despite these indications of mistreatment, her legal situation remained precarious, with little transparency or due process.

Late 2021
As Maha languished in detention, her case finally reached the Saudi judiciary. In late 2021, the Supreme Court handed down a severe sentence: six years in prison, followed by an additional six years of travel ban. The charges against her were directly tied to her peaceful activism on social media, particularly her Twitter account, where she had posted messages in support of human rights. This sentence highlighted the Saudi authorities’ intolerance of dissent and their harsh measures against those who dare to speak out.

Post-2021
The repercussions of Maha Al-Refaidi’s case reverberate beyond her imprisonment. Her sentence serves as a stark warning to other activists in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the risks associated with advocating for human rights in a country where freedom of expression is severely restricted. The international community has expressed concern over her treatment, with human rights organisations calling for her immediate release and an end to the repression of peaceful activists.

It is imperative that the international community acts swiftly and decisively to secure the release of Maha Al-Refaidi and other imprisoned activists. Governments, human rights organisations, and concerned citizens must continue to pressure the Saudi authorities to respect international human rights standards. By amplifying Maha’s story and advocating for her freedom, we can send a powerful message that the world will not stand by silently as peaceful voices are silenced. Now, more than ever, we must rally together to demand justice for Maha and all those unjustly detained for their courageous stand for human rights.