Demonstrators rally for UBC alumna detained in Saudi Arabia
Loujain al-Hathloul has been detained since May 15 and faces up to 20 years behind bars
A small group gathered in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Sunday to support a University of British alumna who's been detained in Saudi Arabia for more than four months.
More than a dozen demonstrators participated, some wearing T-shirts that read "Free Loujain," in reference to Loujain al-Hathloul, 29, who was arrested May 15.
She's among at least 15 human rights and women's rights activists who have been detained by Saudi authorities since that date, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
The activists were allegedly arrested for trying to destabilize Saudi Arabia with foreign funding, but have not been charged or given access to legal counsel.
Eight are believed to have been temporarily released, the United Nations said, but the whereabouts of the others, including al-Hathloul, are unknown.
"We stand in solidarity with [Loujain] and we're doing as much as we can from here all the way in Vancouver. We hope for her release very soon," said Urooba Jamal.
'Fiery personality'
Al-Hathloul attended the University of British Columbia between 2009 and 2013, graduating with a degree in French.
Jamal met al-Hathloul at cultural events on campus while they were both students. Jamal was part of the Pakistan student association and said al-Hathloul was often the only Arab woman at events.
"I always remember her as someone with a fiery personality."
The prominent activist now faces up to 20 years in prison.
The rally coincided with Saudi National Day, which celebrates the establishment of the kingdom in 1937.
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With files from Nora Chabib & Michelle Ghoussoub