Lina al-Hathloul, the sister of a political prisoner who was jailed after campaigning for women’s rights to drive, has spoken out ahead of two Saudi Arabia friendlies at St James’ Park
Saudi Arabia is hosting international matches at St James’ Park to distract attention from its human rights abuses at home, said the sister of the country’s most famous political prisoner.
Lina al-Hathloul spoke out during a visit to the north east ahead of two friendlies the desert kingdom is playing against Costa Rica on Friday and next Tuesday against South Korea.
The 28-year-old has fought for her sister, Loujain, who was thrown in jail after campaigning for women’s rights to drive and posting a video of herself behind the wheel on Twitter.
Loujain, 34, who once shared a stage at a One World event with the then Meghan Markle, was tortured during the 1001 days she spent behind bars before being released and placed under a travel ban to prevent her speaking out.