First Driving Licenses Issued for Women in Saudi Arabia

The issuance of driving licenses for women in Saudi Arabia began on Monday, June 4, after decades of suspension. The official Saudi news agency reported that 'the first group of women received their driving licenses today.' Saudi Arabia, the only country in the world where women were banned from driving, is preparing to lift this ban on June 24 - three weeks from now. The report adds that the responsible authorities have started the process of exchanging international licenses for Saudi licenses at several locations across the country, and volunteer women participated in a 'practical exam.' The news agency did not specify the number of licenses issued. This move is part of the broader plans of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to expand individual freedoms and modernize this conservative, oil-dependent country. The Crown Prince has recently traveled to various countries to change the conservative image of the nation, with one of his major programs being the reduction of some restrictions on women and gender segregation in certain public spaces. However, alongside these initiatives, other actions by the Saudi government have raised questions about the progress of reforms in the country. Last week, the government announced the arrest of 17 individuals for 'endangering national security,' but government critics argue that these arrests are a clear example of the repression of dissent and alternative views. Human rights groups state that many of the arrested individuals were women's rights activists, including those advocating for the right to drive and the end of the male guardianship system over women. Officials stated that eight of the detainees have been 'temporarily' released until the investigation process is completed. The Saudi state news agency claimed that nine suspects, including four women, remain in custody after confessing to various crimes, including contact with 'enemy' groups and recruiting individuals in sensitive government offices. The Riyadh government has accused the detainees of 'coordinated activities to endanger the security and stability of the country.' In previous reports, government-supported media labeled some of these individuals as traitors and 'embassy spies.' Civil activists have dismissed such reports as part of a 'campaign of terror.' Meanwhile, the recent arrests have sparked a wave of international criticism.