Comments on: Rape & Effective Saudi Counseling

By: 5cents

5cents — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:08:04 +0000

The Saudi king pardons the rape victim (though there is no inference the sentence itself was wrong, harsh or unjustified). Also no word on whether she has already received some of her lashes or the pardon gets her away whip-free. BBC article HERE.

By: Blaze Daily

Blaze Daily — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:37:24 +0000

I’m so glad you brought up these questions Woland cause as I was writing the article I was constantly led in that direction. The North American governments have bombed smaller countries that in one way or another took the law into their own hands when it came to human rights, what’s the hold up here then? Something definitely stinks! Who’s to say that the American government didn’t approve this behavior and told the Saudis to keep it under wraps (considering how often cases like these occur in those parts of the world)cause if it got out people like us may stir up a frenzy so huge that the government would be forced to retaliate. After all, the victims sentence was doubled because she had appealed and stirred up the media. And since practically all of North America, if not the world, is completely brain washed and distracted by the media, an incident like this is bound to raise a few eyebrows. I would assume that the Saudis made a fine example of the victim that now I highly doubt any other raped Saudi woman would have the strength to come forth or have the desire to. I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers of rape reports in this part of the world suddenly dropped. Now the question is, did this victim’s story make enough of an impact for someone in power from our governments to respond with an action plan or are Islamic women not worth as much as the oil? I haven’t heard anything yet…

By: Woland

Woland — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:37:38 +0000

Clearly this is but one example of how religious fundamentalism is intolerant and hateful… One cannot help but wonder where the outrage from all the human rights groups is. I hate to say it, but had this scenario played out with Christian attackers and a Christian government, the ACLU and every other so-called rights organization would be worked into a frenzy. Why the silence here though? Could it be that people are terrified of upsetting Islamic fundamentalists? Could it be that our government is in bed with Saudi oil barons so this outrage is ignored? Maybe its a combination of both. Furthermore, why do the majority of Muslims who are not fundamentalist remain silent?

By: DPowers

DPowers — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:04:45 +0000

Demanding your politicians speak up against violence is our civil duty to those who don’t have a voice. If you get a response like the one that follows…pass on the word to everyone on your contact list and ask them to do the same!

Dear Canadian,

This letter is in response to your recent correspondence concerning the horrific treatment of a rape victim in Saudi Arabia. Together with my colleagues we are concerned about the flogging and jail sentence of “the Woman from al-Qatif” by the government of Saudi Arabia.

The protection of human rights around the world is a core value of Canada and of our foreign policy. As Official Opposition Critic for Human Rights, I believe we need to take a leading role in the protection and support of the innocent and vulnerable, and call on the government of Saudi Arabia to end this persistent and pervasive assault on human rights.

Indeed, the disbarment of the victim’s lawyer – Abdul-Rahman al-Lahem – a human rights activist, only dramatizes the need for legal reforms in Saudi Arabia.

I am pleased that the Government of Canada has responded to calls from the Opposition and denounced these human rights abuses. Canada, as a leader in the struggle for human rights and human dignity, must seek to advance – as a matter of both principle and policy, the fundamental rights of Saudi Arabians.

Thank you for your correspondence. I share your concern and we will continue to raise our voice on the matter.
Sincerely,

Office of / Bureau de Hon. Irwin Cotler, P.C., O.C. / C.P., O.C.
M.P. for Mount Royal / Député de Mont-Royal
Tel / Tél.: 613-995-0121 Fax / Téléc.: 613-992-6762

========================================
November 23, 2007
Liberal Critic for Human Rights Irwin Cotler
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister Harper:

I am appalled at the horrific treatment of the young woman from al-Qatif, by
the government of Saudi Arabia. She has been sentenced to flogging and jail after having been abducted and gang raped by seven men. I urge you to demand that Saudi Arabia, a declared ally in the fight for democracy and human rights:
* immediately halt the floggings
* drop the charges against the young woman
* reform its legal system so as to comply with its international human rights obligations.
Please take immediate action. I await your reply.

By: 5cents

5cents — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:18:58 +0000

Further developments to the story. Apparently the young woman confessed to having an extra-marital affair. Not sure how the confession was obtained/extracted under duress. BBC article HERE.