We’d hardly call it a reason to celebrated, but earlier this week, many cautiously welcomed Saudi King Abdullah’s decision to grant women some rights by allowing them to vote and run in the next municipal elections that are scheduled (but not ensured) for 2015 as a positive move forward for a country that remains an absolute and puritanical monarchy.
Now, less than 48 hours after the King’s announcement, a Jeddah court sentenced a Saudi woman to be lashed 10 times with a whip for disobeying the country’s prohibition on women driving!
The Associated Press said the “perpetrator” is Shaima Jastaina who was found guilty of driving without permission. A local activist, Samar Badawi, said she would appeal the verdict.
According to the report, up until now, Saudi police usually stopped women driving and let them go their way without any further consequences after signing a pledge not to drive again.
However, ever since a widespread campaign called “Women2Drive” began in June and which aims to lift the ban on female drivers, an increasing number of women have decided to take a seat behind the wheel and fight for their rights. Apparently, those in power are now toughening their stance.
Story Sources: ABC News/AP & Youtube
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