Saudi Steps Up Arrests Of Women's Rights Advocates: Activists

Dubai, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2018 ) :Saudi authorities have widened a crackdown on women's rights advocates, detaining at least three more activists a month before the kingdom lifts its ban on women drivers, campaigners said Tuesday.

Saudi authorities on Saturday announced the arrest of seven people, who rights groups identified mostly as women who have long campaigned for the right to drive and to end the conservative Muslim state's male guardianship system.

Amnesty International told AFP the number of detained has risen to 10, including at least seven women, while the Gulf Centre for Human Rights and another Saudi activist said the number stood at 12.

"Despite international outcry and calls for the release of these activists, they still remain detained for their peaceful human rights work," said Samah Hadid, Amnesty International's middle East director of campaigns.

"Saudi Arabian authorities cannot continue to publicly state they are dedicated to reform, while treating women's rights campaigners in this cruel way." Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Without naming those detained, authorities have accused the detained of "suspicious contact with foreign parties", providing financial support to enemies and "attempting to undermine the security and stability of the kingdom". State-backed media branded them traitors and "agents of embassies".