Saudi Arabia has confirmed, in a letter to the United Nations, the 11-year prison sentence of a female fitness instructor, Manahel al-Otaibi. The letter did not provide any details of her alleged terrorism offenses. Human rights activists argue that the case exposes the limitations on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia. Despite the kingdom’s efforts to liberalize some aspects of women’s lives, the conviction of al-Otaibi reveals a conflicting reality. Amnesty International and ALQST, a London-based human rights group, consider the charges against al-Otaibi to be related to her choice of clothing and her online activism against the male guardianship system. The letter sent by Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the UN in Geneva did not present any evidence that led to al-Otaibi’s conviction. Al-Otaibi, who gained popularity through her fitness videos on social media platforms, faced charges of defaming the kingdom and calling for rebellion against public order, society’s traditions and customs, and the judiciary. Her posts advocated for liberal dress codes for women, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship laws. Al-Otaibi has been detained since November 2022, while her sister, Fouz, faced similar charges and fled Saudi Arabia. The letter from the Saudi government states that exercising and defending rights is not a crime under Saudi law, but justifying the actions of terrorists by describing them as exercising or defending rights is unacceptable. The case of Manahel al-Otaibi reflects the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in Saudi Arabia.