Samar Badawi

Badawi was arrested on 30 July 2018 during the wave targeting women's rights activists. Canadian calls for her release and that of other defenders contributed to a major diplomatic crisis: Riyadh expelled Canada's ambassador and froze several bilateral relationships. Badawi was subsequently convicted in the activists' case and released in June 2021 after approximately three years in detention; further restrictions on travel and expression continued to be reported.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the victim

Badawi was arrested and questioned in January 2016 amid judicial harassment of Saudi activists. Amnesty International and other organisations linked the episode to her human rights activities and online posts, particularly those involving her former husband Waleed Abu al-Khair's account. She was released soon after questioning.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the victim

In December 2014, Saudi authorities prevented Badawi from leaving the country and informed her that a travel ban had been issued. The measure followed her international advocacy activities, including engagement with UN bodies, and was condemned as retaliation by human rights organisations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the victim

Badawi participated in the campaign for women's right to drive, drove herself and assisted other female drivers facing police or court proceedings. After her licence application was refused, she applied to the Grievances Board against the General Traffic Directorate. The case contributed to the public conflict over the ban then imposed on women driving.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Directly implicated

After being refused registration as a voter for the 2011 municipal elections, Badawi applied to the Grievances Board against the relevant ministry, maintaining that no provision explicitly prohibited women from registering. The case became emblematic of the political exclusion of Saudi women; human rights sources describe her as the first woman to bring such a challenge in the kingdom.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After leaving her family home alleging violence, Samar Badawi faced a complaint by her father for "disobedience" under the male guardianship system. She also initiated an "adhl" proceeding challenging her father's refusal to authorise her marriage. She was imprisoned in April 2010 under a warrant linked to the disobedience case, then released in October 2010 following a favourable decision in the guardianship dispute and its transfer to an uncle.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated