Leeds University student sentenced to 34 years in prison in Saudi Arabia

Leeds University
Author: Rebecca LomasPublished 18th Aug 2022
Last updated 18th Aug 2022

A Leeds university student has been sentenced to 34 years in prison in Saudi Arabia because of her Twitter activity.

Mother of two Salma al-Shehab was detained in January 2021 while on holiday.

She called online for an end to the country's guardianship system - which gives men legal control over some aspects of the lives of their female relatives.

Leeds University have tweeted to say they are concerned:

"We are deeply concerned to learn of the recent development in Salma’s case and are seeking advice on whether there is anything we can do to support her.

"Our thoughts remain with Salma, her family, and her friends among our close-knit community."

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