31 women members of Irish parliament have signed an open letter calling on the Irish government to summon the Saudi ambassador to account for Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul’s treatment in prison, and to call on the Saudi authorities to immediately explain why she is being denied regular contact with her family.

In the letter, the 31 opposition TDs (MPs) and Senators (members of the upper house) “stand in solidarity” with Loujain, who has been on hunger strike since 26 October 2020 protesting her conditions in prison, including her denial of regular communication with her family. 

The members of parliament express their outrage over Loujain al-Hathloul’s arrest, which occurred just weeks ahead of the lifting of the driving ban on women in Saudi Arabia on 24 June 2018, citing the brutal torture and sexual harassment that she has faced in detention.  

Furthermore, they describe Loujain’s case as casting a “spotlight on the utterly appalling human rights record” of the Saudi authorities, expressing their solidarity with her and the countless other women who have faced such treatment for merely peacefully exercising their basic human rights. 

“This powerful call from Irish women parliamentarians shows the deep concern over the fate of Loujain, who is being forced to undertake the most extreme measures in a bid to gain her most basic rights. We hope that other countries will follow their lead and hold the Saudi authorities  to account”, said Safa Al Ahmad, Acting Director of ALQST. “As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the G20 leaders’ summit in two weeks time, it is vital that global leaders call loudly for her immediate release and of fellow prisoners of conscience”.