EU queries detention of SA women rights defenders

The European Union has asked Saudi Arabia to explain its arrests and charges against women human rights defenders, saying that detainees should be allowed due legal process to defend themselves. To recall, S.A has this past May arrested a number of women human rights defenders, including those who campaigned for the right of Saudi women to drive and to end the Kingdom’s male guardianship system. (c.f: https://goo.gl/MKzt7o). The detentions have sparked a diplomatic row with Canada after the latter demanded an immediate release of jailed activists. On the subject, the spokeswoman for EU foreign policy, Federica Mogherini, disclosed that the EU has been constructively negotiating with Saudi authorities seeking explanation on the circumstances of the arrests, especially on specific accusations brought against them. “We underline the significant role of human rights advocates and civil society groups in the reform process underway in Saudi Arabia, as well as the importance of observing the rules of due process for the detainees,” Mogherini stressed. (Al Diyar, August 13, 2018)


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