Saudi human rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been released after nearly three years in prison, her family announced Wednesday evening.

"Loujain has been released," her sister Lina wrote on Twitter, adding in English that "Loujain is home".

The activist was sentenced on December 29 to five years and eight months in prison under an "anti-terrorism" law, a sentence with a suspended sentence that made her released in some two months, according to her family.

Her sister Lina posted this photo: "Home after 101 days in prison"

The @LoujainHathloul at home after 1001 days in prison pic.twitter.com/SIm274rAEw

- Lina Alhathloul لينا الهذلول (@LinaAlhathloul) February 10, 2021

Loujain al-Hathloul, 31, was found guilty of "various activities prohibited by the anti-terrorism law," said pro-power online media Sabq, who attended the hearing.

According to Saudi media, the sentence carries a two-year and ten-month reprieve "on condition that she does not commit a new crime within three years."

The period spent in pre-trial detention is taken into account which makes Loujain al-Hathloul, arrested in May 2018, released in "two months", tweeted his sister Lina.

A source close to the family and the London-based opposition group ALQST said she would be released before March.

The court also banned the activist from leaving the kingdom for five years, Lina al-Hathloul added, adding that her sister intended to appeal the judgment.

With AFP

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