Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Saudi Arabia: Free Woman Who Sought Court Aid


For Harassment Complaint Made Without “Male Guardian:” 300 Lashes, 1 ½ Years in Jail

March 2, 2010

"(Beirut) - Saudi Arabia's authorities should quash the January, 2010, verdict of a court that sentenced a woman to 300 lashes and one and a half years in prison for filing harassment complaints without the required accompaniment by a male guardian, and release her from jail, Human Rights Watch said today.

Sawsan Salim was sentenced on charges of making "spurious complaints" against government officials and for "appearing ... without a male guardian" in court. The verdict reflects the discriminatory system of male guardianship in Saudi Arabia, in which women are prohibited from many acts without the presence of a male guardian....."

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