The European Union Asks Saudi Arabia for Information on Detained Activists

The European Union has requested the Saudi government to provide information regarding the detention of women's rights activists in the country. Criticism of the detention of Saudi activists has led Saudi Arabia to significantly reduce its diplomatic and trade relations with Canada. A spokesperson for Federica Mogherini, the EU's chief foreign policy official, stated that the EU has constructively engaged in dialogue with Saudi officials to obtain explanations regarding the events related to the detention of women human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia. The statement further emphasized the importance of the relationship between human rights defenders and civil society during the current reforms in Saudi Arabia, as well as the necessity to respect the law concerning all similar detentions. The European Commission has also stated that it has contacted Saudi officials regarding this matter. Saudi officials have yet to respond to this statement and the remarks made. However, the Canadian government's earlier expression of concern over the detentions led to a severe backlash from Saudi Arabia, which criticized Ottawa and reduced the level of its relations. On August 6, Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador, recalled its own ambassador, and suspended new economic relations with Canada. The Canadian Foreign Ministry had called for the release of civil activists and women's rights defenders. Following Saudi Arabia's strong reaction, the Canadian Foreign Minister reiterated that his country 'has always supported human rights in Canada and around the world, and women's rights are human rights.' Riyadh stated that no country 'can claim to care more about its citizens than the Saudi government.' EU officials have indicated that Federica Mogherini spoke by phone with the Canadian Foreign Minister on August 20, and both sides emphasized the need to enhance cooperation on human rights and other issues.