Feb 10, 2021 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#StudentsForLoujain Campaign and UBC AMS/GSS/SUO Response to Release of UBC graduate Loujain al-Hathloul after 1,001 days in prison
#StudentsForLoujain Campaign and the UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS), Graduate Student Society (GSS), and Student Union Okanagan (SUO) celebrate the release of UBC graduate Loujain al-Hathloul after 1,001 days in prison.
As a member of our community, Loujain has suffered injustices and harm that no one should be subject to. As her prison sentence comes to an end, we welcome the news of Loujain’s release with great joy. We wish her and her family a speedy recovery and the best in the coming future.
Loujain, we look forward to welcoming you to your alma mater whenever circumstances allow. You are an inspiration to many of us.
Given that Loujain will continue to be subject to a 5-year travel ban, #StudentsForLoujain Campaign will continue to advocate for justice for Loujain until she is free and not subject to injustice.
#StudentsForLoujain Campaign is a coalition of 25 student unions and alliances, led by UBC AMS, GSS and SUO, representing more than 130,000 students from across Canada. The Coalition came together in solidarity with Loujain al-Hathloul, calling for her release and fair treatment.
Quotes:
“This is a joyful moment not only for the UBC community but for everyone that fights for justice and human rights. As a UBC alumna, Loujain has been an inspiration to many of us and a member of our community that we are immensely proud. Even though Loujain has been released from prison, she is not yet free and will continue to be subject to a 5-year travel ban. We will continue our advocacy for Loujain and call for an end to her travel ban and probation.”
-Alireza Kamyabi, GSS Vice-President External Relations“We’re thrilled to hear that former AMS member and UBC alumna Loujain al-Hathloul has been released. We are immensely proud of Loujain’s activism and work so far as a strong champion for women’s rights. We continue to stand by and support change-makers like Loujain that strive to make the world a more equitable place to live in.”
-Kalith Nanayakkara, AMS Vice-President External Affairs“We are heartened to hear today that UBC Alumna, Loujain Al-Hathloul, has been released from Saudi detention. While the fight for her freedom continues, we welcome this step forward. The entire UBC community is exceptionally proud of her immense contributions to women’s and human rights. Her freedom will be a victory not only for the movement she initiated, but for all who continue to champion these issues and seek to bring about positive change in society.”
-Ali Poostizadeh, SUO President
