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November 26, 2007
Saudi Arabia Sentences Rape Victim to Jail & 200 Lashes
It is no secret that Saudi Arabia systematically represses its women, stifles free speech, and abuses due process. All of these concerns have been raised once again by a recent incident. CNN.com has reported that a Saudi religious court has decided to increase the punishment of a victim of a gang rape who was originally sentenced to receive 90 lashes for committing the crime of meeting with an unrelated male (a former friend whom she arranged to meet in public so she could retrieve some photographs from him. Both were raped). After her lawyer protested that the sentences given to the rapists were too light, the victim's sentence was increased to six months in prison and 200 lashes. Moreover, the lawyer for the rape victim has been disbarred and is now facing a disciplinary hearing.
And this is the country that some look to for guidance on bringing peace to the Middle East?
Written by Stephen Silver
Posted by LG at November 26, 2007 09:31 PM
Comments
A better question is why have we been supporting this oppression for decades with American money for oil. Do we not know we make the King richer and he keeps all the subjects bowing with their noses on the ground? Or do we not care as long as our muscle car runs fast?
Posted by: Daniel at November 27, 2007 11:32 AM
It's time for a national human rights campaign that focuses on getting this country off oil so we finally stop financially feeding barbaric, apartheid regimes. What kind of power and international cooperation would Saudi Arabia have without its oil income? How can the US government call Saudi Arabia an "ally" when it seemed to have used Afghanistan's (very similar) oppression of women to launch a war against Afghanistan. Let's avoid wars and promote human rights -- and end global warming -- by putting the goal to end our oil dependence at the top of the agendas of both political parties.
Posted by: Adriene at November 27, 2007 09:22 PM
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