Aliya Al-Hathloul, sister of Saudi activist Loujain Al-Hathloul, shared details about what happened with her sister during the appeal session that Loujain filed to lift the travel ban imposed on her and her conviction.
On Tuesday, Aliya Al-Hathloul tweeted about the proceedings in the appeal session, detailing the questions and answers exchanged between Loujain and the judge. Loujain confirmed in court that she did not commit any crime when asked if she regretted her actions. Aliya tweeted, "Loujain appeared today in court for the appeal against the sentence issued against her."
Aliya added, "The public prosecutor demanded an increase in the sentence duration. The judge asked Loujain if she regretted what she did, to which she responded that she did not commit any crime." She noted that the presiding judge asked Loujain, "Who will restore justice to the society from the chaos that occurred?" Loujain replied, “How can I restore justice to society when I have not been given justice regarding the torture I experienced?" Loujain affirmed to the judge that his comment was painful for her, prompting the judge to retract his statement indirectly.
Earlier, the Saudi activist appeared in a video while on her way to court for the appeal session, following her release but still under a travel ban. Saudi authorities released Al-Hathloul on February 10 of last year. On December 28, Saudi judiciary issued a ruling sentencing her to 5 years and 8 months in a trial that drew international condemnation. Al-Hathloul, who is 31 years old, has been detained by authorities since May 15, 2018, after being arrested along with at least 12 activists advocating for women's rights.
