18-year-old Saudi woman, 'held' at Bangkok airport, sends out desperate tweets seeking asylum, protesting deportation
6 years ago

18-year-old Saudi woman, 'held' at Bangkok airport, sends out desperate tweets seeking asylum, protesting deportation

Firstpost  

Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch said that Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun should be allowed by Thailand to see the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and apply for asylum. A senior Thai immigration official said on Sunday that Qunun was denied entry because she lacked “further documents such as return ticket or money” and Thailand had contacted the “Saudi Arabia embassy to coordinate”. Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch said Qunun “faces grave harm if she is forced back to Saudi Arabia” and Thailand should allow her to see the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and apply for asylum. “Given Saudi Arabia’s long track record of looking the other way in so-called honour violence incidents, her worry that she could be killed if returned cannot be ignored,” he said.

Asylum Saudi Arabia Saudi Thai Thailand Kuwait Her Family Human Rights Watch Bangkok Qunun  watch  saudi  sends  held  desperate  asylum  bangkok  tweets  woman  deportation  kuwait  arabia  protesting  qunun  transit  thailand  seeking  rights

History of this topic

A daughter of long-detained activist in Bahrain is blocked from traveling to the island kingdom
1 year, 3 months ago

A daughter of long-detained activist in Bahrain is blocked from traveling to the island kingdom

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A daughter of a long-detained human rights activist in Bahrain tried to return to the island kingdom on Friday to press for her father’s release but was turned away from her flight in London. Bahrain’s government said in a statement it “reserves the right to refuse entry, if deemed necessary.” It did not elaborate though …

Bahrain activist Maryam al-Khawaja denied boarding on UK to Manama flight
1 year, 3 months ago

Bahrain activist Maryam al-Khawaja denied boarding on UK to Manama flight

Al Jazeera  

Activist says she wants to meet her jailed father Abdulhadi al-Khawaja who is currently on hunger strike. A daughter of prominent Bahraini rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja said she was denied boarding a flight in London as she tried to return to the Gulf state and press for her father’s release from prison. “Effectively we are being denied boarding by British …

Saudi woman gets 45 years in prison for social media use
2 years, 4 months ago

Saudi woman gets 45 years in prison for social media use

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A Saudi court has sentenced a woman to 45 years in prison for allegedly damaging the country through her social media activity, according to a court document obtained Wednesday. An official charge sheet seen by The Associated Press and human rights groups describes her case as involving her social media use, though Saudi officials did …

Saudi woman sentenced to 45 years in prison for social media use
2 years, 4 months ago

Saudi woman sentenced to 45 years in prison for social media use

LA Times  

The government of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has cracked down on women’s rights activists while making a few concessions, such as allowing women to drive. A Saudi court has sentenced a woman to 45 years in prison for allegedly damaging the country through her social media activity, according to a court document obtained Wednesday. An official charge sheet …

U.S. raised concerns to Saudi Arabia over activist's sentencing
2 years, 4 months ago

U.S. raised concerns to Saudi Arabia over activist's sentencing

The Hindu  

The United States has raised "significant concerns" with Saudi Arabia over a 34-year prison sentence imposed on women's rights activist Salma al-Shehab, the State Department said on Monday. "We have raised our significant concerns with Saudi authorities," State Department spokesman Ned Price said of the sentence given to the Saudi woman for following and retweeting dissidents and activists on Twitter. …

Saudi Arabian dissidents ‘being sexually assaulted and murdered’ in prison
2 years, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabian dissidents ‘being sexually assaulted and murdered’ in prison

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Prisoners held for opposing the government in Saudi Arabia are being murdered, …

Saudi court denies activist’s appeal, upholds her travel ban
3 years, 10 months ago

Saudi court denies activist’s appeal, upholds her travel ban

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Loujain al-Hathloul whose 1001-day detention drew fierce international criticism of the kingdom’s human rights …

Saudi court upholds activist al-Hathloul’s sentence at hearing
3 years, 10 months ago

Saudi court upholds activist al-Hathloul’s sentence at hearing

Al Jazeera  

Rights activist al-Hathloul, who was released in February after three years in prison, appeared at an appeal hearing. A Saudi court has upheld the original sentence of women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who had championed women’s right to drive and for an end to Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system. Walking to the court on Wednesday morning before the appeals hearing, …

‘Loujain is not free’: Family of Saudi women’s rights activist vow to get ‘real justice’ after her release
3 years, 10 months ago

‘Loujain is not free’: Family of Saudi women’s rights activist vow to get ‘real justice’ after her release

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The family of prominent Saudi …

Prominent Saudi women’s rights activist released from prison
3 years, 10 months ago

Prominent Saudi women’s rights activist released from prison

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — One of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent political activists was released from prison Wednesday, her family said, after serving nearly three years on charges that sparked an international uproar over the kingdom’s human rights record. “She was a powerful activist for women’s rights and releasing her was the right thing to do.” Biden had labeled Saudi …

Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul released from prison
3 years, 11 months ago

Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul released from prison

Al Jazeera  

Prominent women’s rights activist, who campaigned for women’s right to drive and to end kingdom’s male guardianship system, spent more than 1,000 days in prison. Prominent women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been released from a Saudi prison after nearly three years behind bars, according to her family. تم الافراج عن لجين pic.twitter.com/fqug9VK6Mj — Lina Alhathloul لينا الهذلول February 10, …

Jailed Saudi Activist Who Rallied for Women to be Allowed to Drive Referred to Terror Court
4 years, 1 month ago

Jailed Saudi Activist Who Rallied for Women to be Allowed to Drive Referred to Terror Court

News 18  

Loujain al-Hathloul, the jailed activist who led the charge to allow women to drive in Saudi Arabia, has gone from jailed rights activist to alleged national security threat. Al-Hathloul’s family said the 31-year-old activist’s case was being transferred to the Specialized Criminal Court due to a “lack of jurisdiction” by Riyadh’s criminal court, where her trial had been suspended for …

Women activists, political prisoners ‘sexually assaulted, tortured and executed in Saudi Arabia’ jails
4 years, 1 month ago

Women activists, political prisoners ‘sexually assaulted, tortured and executed in Saudi Arabia’ jails

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jailed women’s rights activists and political prisoners have been sexually assaulted, tortured …

Sister of Saudi women’s rights activist fears she is being tortured, as she hasn’t been heard from in months
4 years, 4 months ago

Sister of Saudi women’s rights activist fears she is being tortured, as she hasn’t been heard from in months

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sister of a prominent jailed Saudi women’s rights campaigner has raised …

Sister of jailed Saudi women’s rights activist says she is forced to endure ‘emotional rollercoaster’ due to authorites’ silence
5 years, 3 months ago

Sister of jailed Saudi women’s rights activist says she is forced to endure ‘emotional rollercoaster’ due to authorites’ silence

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sister of a prominent Saudi women’s rights campaigner who has allegedly …

Saudi cites UN job application as evidence against activist Loujain al-Hathloul
5 years, 9 months ago

Saudi cites UN job application as evidence against activist Loujain al-Hathloul

CNN  

CNN — A prominent Saudi activist’s admission that she once applied for a job at the United Nations is being used as part of the kingdom’s case against her, CNN has learned. Saudi Arabia has not publicly released the charges against women’s rights defender Loujain al-Hathloul, or several other prominent female activists who are currently on trial in Riyadh on …

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists tell judges of abuse
5 years, 9 months ago

Detained Saudi women’s rights activists tell judges of abuse

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nearly a dozen Saudi women’s rights activists seated before a three-judge panel in a Riyadh courtroom Wednesday laid out their defense and spoke of physical and sexual abuse they say they were subjected to by masked interrogators, according to people with knowledge of the case. Several people with knowledge of the cases say charges against …

Saudi women’s rights campaigner who has been ‘tortured and sexually harassed in prison’ goes on trial
5 years, 9 months ago

Saudi women’s rights campaigner who has been ‘tortured and sexually harassed in prison’ goes on trial

The Independent  

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A leading Saudi women’s rights campaigner who has allegedly been tortured and …

British MPs, lawyers request access to ‘tortured’ Saudi activists
5 years, 11 months ago

British MPs, lawyers request access to ‘tortured’ Saudi activists

Al Jazeera  

Detention review panel says it remains committed to seeing eight female activists held at a jail in Jeddah since May. A cross-party group of British politicians and international lawyers has said it remains committed to visiting eight female activists in Saudi Arabia, some of whom were jailed and allegedly subjected to torture after campaigning for the right for women to …

After alleged abuse, Saudi teen refugee in Canada wants to fight for women
5 years, 11 months ago

After alleged abuse, Saudi teen refugee in Canada wants to fight for women

Hindustan Times  

A Saudi teen who caused an international sensation by defying her family and seeking asylum abroad on Tuesday vowed to fight for women’s freedoms in her first public address since she was taken in by Canada. Standing in front of a large Canadian flag at the Toronto offices of refugee resettling agency Costi, Qunun denounced Saudi Arabia’s strict male guardianship …

Rahaf Alqunun: Saudi teen granted asylum welcomed by Canadian foreign minister at Toronto airport
5 years, 11 months ago

Rahaf Alqunun: Saudi teen granted asylum welcomed by Canadian foreign minister at Toronto airport

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It was another proud …

Rahaf al-Qunun’s refugee status is great news, but we're in danger of settling for one happy ending
5 years, 11 months ago

Rahaf al-Qunun’s refugee status is great news, but we're in danger of settling for one happy ending

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Despite attempts …

Saudi Arabia’s ‘reforms’ aren’t really about empowering women (opinion)
5 years, 11 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s ‘reforms’ aren’t really about empowering women (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Holly Thomas is a writer and editor based in London. Saudi Arabia’s wali system sees each woman under the control of a male “guardian.” That guardian – a father, brother or other male relative – has control over all major aspects of the woman’s life, including key decisions such as getting married or divorced, and whether they may …

Saudi teen who fled family welcomed as ‘brave Canadian’ in Toronto
5 years, 11 months ago

Saudi teen who fled family welcomed as ‘brave Canadian’ in Toronto

Hindustan Times  

An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her familythis week saying she feared for her life arrived in Toronto’s international airport on Saturday after being granted asylum in Canada, where foreign minister Chrystia Freeland welcomed her as a brave new Canadian. Qunun arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Saturday morning, wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the word Canada in red, …

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun: Justin Trudeau announces Canada will grant asylum to Saudi teen
5 years, 11 months ago

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun: Justin Trudeau announces Canada will grant asylum to Saudi teen

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Justin Trudeau has confirmed …

The Latest: Canada grants asylum to Saudi woman
5 years, 11 months ago

The Latest: Canada grants asylum to Saudi woman

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The Latest on Saudi asylum seeker who fled alleged abuse by her family : 1:10 a.m. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will grant asylum to a Saudi woman fleeing alleged family abuse. Earlier Friday, Thailand’s immigration police chief said 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun had left on a flight headed for Canada. ___ 10:15 p.m. Thailand’s immigration …

Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi teen who fled to Thailand deletes Twitter account 'after receiving death threats'
5 years, 11 months ago

Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi teen who fled to Thailand deletes Twitter account 'after receiving death threats'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Saudi teenager granted United …

Saudi teen Rahaf Alqunun reacts to Australian resettlement option with smile, dancing emojis
6 years ago

Saudi teen Rahaf Alqunun reacts to Australian resettlement option with smile, dancing emojis

ABC  

Saudi teenager Rahaf Alqunun's first reaction to the news Australia might resettle her was disbelief, then emojis. Key points: The UN refugee agency has referred Ms Alqunun's case to Australia for consideration She flew into Thailand on the weekend with a ticket on to Australia, where she hoped to seek asylum She fears her family would kill her for renouncing …

Rahaf Alqunun case could increase risks to women in repressive countries, human rights activists fear
6 years ago

Rahaf Alqunun case could increase risks to women in repressive countries, human rights activists fear

ABC  

Lawyers and activists are warning the high-profile case of Saudi Arabian teenager Rahaf Alqunun could increase the risks faced by women in repressive countries, even as it inspires more to make attempts to escape. Key points: Some fear Ms Alqunun's case may lead to tighter surveillance of young women Activists say the case has put more pressure on repressive governments …

Australian minister hints that Saudi 18-year-old is likely to get asylum; United Nations says teen is a refugee
6 years ago

Australian minister hints that Saudi 18-year-old is likely to get asylum; United Nations says teen is a refugee

Firstpost  

The decision marks a significant victory for the 18-year-old, who is currently in Bangkok where she says Thai authorities attempted to block her from travelling to Australia to claim asylum Sydney: The United Nations has found that a teenage woman who fled Saudi Arabia is a legitimate refugee and has asked Australia to take her in, officials in Canberra said …

Saudi teen is refugee, UN confirms, asks Australia to resettle
6 years ago

Saudi teen is refugee, UN confirms, asks Australia to resettle

Deccan Chronicle  

Sydney: The United Nations has found that a teenage woman who fled Saudi Arabia is a legitimate refugee and has asked Australia to take her in, officials in Canberra said Wednesday. “The UNHCR has referred Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,” the Department of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement. “If she is found to be …

Story of disappeared Saudi power couple spotlights dissident crackdown
6 years ago

Story of disappeared Saudi power couple spotlights dissident crackdown

CNN  

CNN — A stand-up comedian and women’s right-to-drive activist, Fahad al-Butairi and Loujain al-Hathloul, were once seen as a groundbreaking Saudi power couple in a country that was rapidly relaxing its strict social rules. “I’d like to see what they could do in this world, if they were given the chance,” adding, “I’d like to have that dinner with them …

Saudi woman seeking asylum can stay temporarily in Thailand
6 years ago

Saudi woman seeking asylum can stay temporarily in Thailand

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — An 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family over alleged abuse and barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room in a desperate bid for asylum will be allowed to stay in Thailand while her case is evaluated by the U.N. refugee agency, immigration authorities said Monday. Alqunun’s ordeal began when she fled from her family while in …

Bahrain activist, deported by the Netherlands, has been arrested
6 years ago

Bahrain activist, deported by the Netherlands, has been arrested

Dutch News  

A refugee from Bahrain who was deported by the Netherlands last October was arrested on his return and has been held in detention since then, Amnesty International and refugee group VluchtelingenWerk said on Monday. Ali Mohamed al-Showaikh was arrested on terrorism charges and there is ‘strong evidence’ that he has been tortured since his arrest, the human rights campaign groups …

Bahrain activist, deported by the Netherlands, has been arrested
6 years ago

Bahrain activist, deported by the Netherlands, has been arrested

Dutch News  

A refugee from Bahrain who was deported by the Netherlands last October was arrested on his return and has been held in detention since then, Amnesty International and refugee group VluchtelingenWerk said on Monday. Ali Mohamed al-Showaikh was arrested on terrorism charges and there is ‘strong evidence’ that he has been tortured since his arrest, the human rights campaign groups …

Human rights lawyer files Injunction filed at Bangkok's criminal court to prevent 18-year-old Saudi woman's deportation
6 years ago

Human rights lawyer files Injunction filed at Bangkok's criminal court to prevent 18-year-old Saudi woman's deportation

Firstpost  

Eighteen-year-old Saudi Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun said she was fleeing her “abusive” family while travelling in Kuwait, and had flown to Thailand in the hopes of reaching Australia to seek asylum Bangkok: An injunction has been filed at Bangkok’s Criminal Court to prevent a Saudi woman held in Thailand’s airport from being deported, a lawyer said on Monday. Eighteen-year-old Saudi Rahaf …

Saudi woman runaway held in Thailand while fleeing family; claims of being in ‘real danger’ if forced to return
6 years ago

Saudi woman runaway held in Thailand while fleeing family; claims of being in ‘real danger’ if forced to return

India TV News  

A Saudi woman used social media to draw attention to her plight trying to flee her family, claiming that authorities in Thailand confiscated her passport and were holding her Sunday at an airport hotel room in Bangkok. On Twitter, she wrote of being in "real danger" if forced to return to her family under pressure from Saudi authorities. He was …

Saudi woman runaway held in Thailand while fleeing family
6 years ago

Saudi woman runaway held in Thailand while fleeing family

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A Saudi woman used social media to draw attention to her plight trying to flee her family, claiming that authorities in Thailand confiscated her passport and were holding her Sunday at an airport hotel room in Bangkok. Alqunun told Human Rights Watch that she arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok Saturday evening from Kuwait, but that a diplomat …

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