
A human rights consortium has called on Saudi Arabia to ease pressure on two women's rights activists sentenced to jail for defying laws on patriarchs. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders sent an open letter to the Saudi government expressing concern over the 10-month prison sentences imposed on rights leaders Wajiha al-Huwaider and Fawzia al-Uyuni. The two women were said to be aiding a Canadian woman who claimed her Saudi husband was abusing her by locking her in her home for five days without food while he was away. The husband accused the rights activists of trying to kidnap his wife and a court later sentenced the activists on charges of inciting a wife to deny a man's authority, an offense under Islamic law. The Observatory said Thursday it was calling on authorities to overturn the sentences, "which only serves to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate and peaceful women's rights work." In February, Saudi King Abdullah swore in 30 women to serve on Shura Council for the first time in the country's history. Women councilmembers have a special seating area and designated entrances and exits to comply with a no-touch policy with male counterparts.
GMT 16:54 2018 Thursday ,06 December
Prominent Rwandan activist Diane Rwigara acquitted of 'insurrection'GMT 21:37 2018 Friday ,23 November
Bahrain's efforts to protect women's rights praisedGMT 12:30 2018 Tuesday ,30 October
Women wrestlers take on tradition in south IraqGMT 11:04 2018 Friday ,26 October
EU gender pay gap means women work for free from November 3GMT 10:56 2018 Monday ,15 October
Halep clinches year-end top spot in women's tennis rankingsGMT 11:20 2018 Friday ,12 October
Young Egyptian woman serves as minister for a dayGMT 16:20 2018 Wednesday ,10 October
Palestinian champions ‘drift’ racing for womenGMT 09:36 2018 Tuesday ,02 October
Kuwaiti women's empowering initiative hailedMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor