Saudi Arabia Detains Several Women's Rights Activists

Human Rights Watch announced that Saudi Arabia has recently detained several women's rights activists in the kingdom. In a statement on Saturday, May 18, the US-based organization reported that Saudi authorities have arrested at least seven women's rights defenders since May 15. The statement notes that these activists have long been working to lift the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia and abolish the male guardianship system. The Saudi government has promised that women will be allowed to drive in the country starting in early July, which is seen as a sign of reforms desired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, Reuters reports that these reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on activists. Human Rights Watch, along with other organizations such as Amnesty International, has called on Saudi authorities to release these activists. So far, the names of six of the detainees have been identified, some of whom are male. These individuals include Eman al-Nafjan, Loujain al-Hathloul, Aziza al-Yousef, Aisha al-Mana, Ibrahim al-Mudimigh, and Mohammed al-Rabiah. In a statement released on Friday night, Saudi officials accused the detainees of violating and insulting religion and endangering national stability and security, emphasizing that they will continue to identify these activists. Reuters, citing human rights defenders, reported that the number of detainees is higher than this and that it is currently impossible to obtain an accurate count of the arrests. Sarah Leah Whitson, director of the Middle East division of Human Rights Watch, stated: 'It seems the only 'crime' these activists have committed is demanding the right for women to drive before Mohammed bin Salman.' Observers believe that 'although the Saudi government will allow women to drive starting in late June, it simultaneously seeks to ensure that no rewards are given to activists, as such activities are prohibited in Saudi Arabia.' Granting concessions to religious conservatives is another speculation that analysts link to the detention of women's rights activists in Saudi Arabia.