Saudi king 'revokes' woman driver's lashing sentence

Sheima Jastaniah was sentenced on Monday by a court in Jeddah, where she was caught driving in July.


Afp September 28, 2011

JEDDAH: Saudi King Abdullah has revoked a sentence of 10 lashes imposed on a woman for breaking the ban on women driving in the conservative kingdom, a Saudi princess said Wednesday on her Twitter account.

"Thank God, the lashing of Sheima is cancelled. Thanks to our beloved King. I'm sure all Saudi women will be so happy, I know I am," said Princess Amira al-Taweel, wife of billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

"In tough times we stand together; in good times we celebrate together," the princess said. "I'm proud to be Saudi. To all Active Saudi women thank u for ur efforts."

Sheima Jastaniah was sentenced on Monday by a court in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, where she was caught driving in July, a rights activist said.

"We were shocked yesterday (Monday) that she was sentenced to 10 lashes," the activist said, adding Jastaniah would appeal the verdict.

The sentence came a day after the king announced women would be allowed to vote and to run in municipal polls, and to join the all-appointed Shura (consultative) Council, a first in a country that imposes many restrictions on women.

Amnesty International condemned the sentence, saying it demonstrated the "scale of discrimination against women in the kingdom."

COMMENTS (19)

Ram Bharose Singh | 12 years ago | Reply

I am disappointed. I did not expect this from HIS EXALTED HIGHNESS King Abdullah. What is the world coming to? I don't know.

MUHAMMAD NABEEL | 12 years ago | Reply

Actually they want to save there kingdom and praise there king by such remarks they are cowered and know the result of anarchy of Libya, Egypt......

Driving a car for women is not a crime in Today's Modern world actually they want to put back women in their society and treat them like a slave so they can do want they can with them. by using the name of Islam they are abusing the values of Islam. don't get panic i am also a Muslim but treating women in Saudi society is just pathetic. Think out of the box she might be your daughter,sister,mother,wife.........

by going through such mentality we are making fun of our religion and values. things got change with the passage of time and its time for scholars to educate people and move religion in everyday practice.

now a days we use cars for transportation why we are not using horses? i am asking because have a good or best horse or sword by Sunnah. no one go to office on horse the reason is that time has changed know cars are used by the same means in this fast life why Saudi Government is not giving rights to their women.

where is the macho of Saudi youth goes at this time then they seen such remarks from there Government. on the other hand side came and see the life style of Saudi's in European countries specially in London came and see at Edgware. then we will realize the dual face and double standards of such people. we want to apply all the values on our women and we are free from all.

these double standards are one of the main cause of our failure in Today's world. our so called Scholars are just the name of Scholars actually they are so cowered to take any stand or step against such sick society.

even though we are not providing any sound education to our sisters. as a reality the are more in number then males.

time to rethink otherwise we have no right to blame west for ruling us.

you have hundred million reason to comment on my thoughts but read between the lines and come out of the box. take care

MAY ALLAH SWT GIVE US HIDAYAAT.AMEEN ALLAH HAFIZ

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