Saudi authorities arrest women rights activists in renewed crackdown

As part of its renewed crackdown on activists in the kingdom, Saudi authorities have arrested Hatoon al-Fassi, a women’s rights activist and writer.

Reports say al-Fassi was detained because her work has long been centered on fighting for the rights of Saudi women, including their right to participate in municipal elections.

Reacting to the arrest of al-Fassi and other female activists, the United Nations urged Saudi Arabia to immediately release a number of women’s human rights defenders arrested in the nationwide crackdown.

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“In stark contrast with this celebrated moment of liberation for Saudi women, women’s human rights defenders have been arrested and detained on a wide scale across the country, which is truly worrying and perhaps a better indication of the Government’s approach to women’s human rights,” they said in a statement.

“We call for the urgent release of all of those detained while pursuing their legitimate activities in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.”

Reports say last month, a number of activists were being held for having suspicious contacts with foreign entities, as well as offering financial support to “foreign enemies”.

 

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