Salma al-Sheha, a 34-year-old Saudi woman, faces a staggering sentence tied to social media activity. Regional human rights groups have condemned what they call the harshest punishment yet imposed in the kingdom for peaceful expression on Twitter and other platforms.
On August 9, the Specialized Criminal Court handed down an additional 34 years in prison and barred her from traveling abroad for a matching period after the completion of her sentence, according to a statement from the Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCDH).
GCDH described the ruling as unjust and rooted in the activist’s peaceful, civilized online activity. The organization called it the heaviest sentence ever awarded to a peaceful activist in Saudi Arabia, a country where social media users frequently face penalties for expressing personal opinions online.
Palestinian cause
GCDH notes that Al-Sheha’s Twitter account was used to advocate for the Palestinian cause and to defend prisoners of conscience. The case centers on a woman who is a mother of two and who held doctoral studies in oral health. She was traveling home for a vacation when she was arrested in Leeds, England, in January 2021.
Following several months of detention and a period without the right to legal counsel, she was brought before a terrorism crimes court and initially sentenced to six years in prison. In a subsequent appeal, the court increased the sentence to 34 years, citing alleged offenses such as undermining national security, inciting riots, and assisting others in illegal activities. The charges also included accusations of disrupting public order and disseminating false or malicious information on Twitter, according to the Gulf Center for Human Rights.
Mechanism against criticism
In response, London-based Saudi NGO ALQST warned that this severe punishment could mark the start of a troubling new pattern. It suggested authorities may be setting a mechanism to punish anyone who criticizes state policies.
The Gulf Center for Human Rights described the case as a threatening message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who leads the country, to all internet activists. The message is that those who use social networks should expect serious consequences for dissenting views.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Saudi Arabia for prosecuting and punishing activists, social media users, and critics merely for expressing peaceful opinions. They emphasize that labeling such expressions as terrorism undermines fundamental freedoms and hinders the free exchange of ideas across online communities.
Experts warn that long, sensational sentences can chill online discourse far beyond the individuals directly involved. They point to the broader impact on journalists, researchers, students, and ordinary citizens who rely on social media as a tool for information, debate, and civic participation. The cases also raise questions about due process, access to counsel, and the transparency of judicial processes in matters tied to online communication.
Advocacy groups urge authorities to differentiate between violent actions and peaceful expression in any legal framework. They argue that robust protections for freedom of expression are essential for a healthy public sphere and for constructive engagement on regional issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and human rights concerns within the Middle East.
Observers stress the importance of international scrutiny and consistent legal standards. They call for independent investigations into lengthy sentences that appear to target dissent and for reform to ensure that online criticism is not treated as an act of terrorism. The goal, they say, is to safeguard the rights of individuals to share information, voice concerns, and participate in public dialogue without fear of disproportionate punishment.