UN demands release of Saudi women facing decades in prison for tweets criticizing government

UN human rights experts say two Saudi women were arbitrarily detained and severely punished for peacefully expressing dissent on social media.
Salma al-Shehab was sentenced to 34 years and Nourah bint Saeed al-Qahtani to 45 years in prison for tweets criticizing Saudi policies.
The UN says the women were denied due process, discriminated against, and subjected to cruel treatment.
The Saudi government denies wrongdoing and says its judiciary is independent.
Rights groups say the harsh sentences are meant to intimidate activists and curb dissent.