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Jailed Saudi Feminist Activist Marks Birthday in Prison

HeadlineJul 31, 2020

Washington, D.C., human rights groups held a drive-thru birthday celebration outside the Embassy of Saudi Arabia Thursday in honor of political prisoner and women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul. She was arrested in May 2018 after leading a movement to lift a ban on female drivers and to overhaul the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of Thursday’s protest, al-Hathloul’s sister Lina published this message.

Lina al-Hathloul: “Hi, everyone. My name is Lina. I’m Loujain al-Hathloul’s sister. Loujain is a Saudi activist who’s been in prison for more than two years now. And worse than this, she has not given any sign for almost two months. She’s going to spend her 31st birthday in prison. And so, Loujain, wherever you are, I wish you a happy birthday. I wish you freedom. I love you. And I won’t let you down, I promise.”

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