(YouTube/AFP/File)
The Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) condemned Sunday the referral of two Saudi women to the specialised criminal court in Riyadh over charges of driving.
The specialised criminal court, referred to in the media as the “terrorism court”, is usually concerned with trying terrorism suspects. The Network described the procedure as “worse than oppression in the Middle Ages”.
The two women were arrested last September for defying the driving ban imposed across the country by taking to their cars.
ANHRI added that even though “it is illegal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia, the decision is oppressive”. The network expressed its concern about human rights in the country, adding “the incident is another violation to human rights done by Saudi Arabia”.
The network demanded the Saudi authorities to dismiss all charges against the two women, and called upon NGOs and the media to pressure the government.
Campaigns by Saudi women have been organised to defy the current ban of women driving.
