The political rift between Qatar and Saudi Arabia may soon become a geographical rift, with the appearance in April 2018 of reports in two Saudi-state linked newspapers of plans to build a canal between the two countries which would turn Qatar into an island. The proposed ‘Salwa Canal’ would be funded by businessmen from Saudi[…]
Geneva, Switzerland – From 18 June to 6 July 2018, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) participated in the 38th Session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) and highlighted widespread human rights violations being committed by the Governments of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)[…]
5 July 2018 – In May 2018, the Saudi government arrested nearly a dozen women’s rights activists for their work promoting women’s rights, only weeks before it lifted the ban on women driving. However, the campaign against women’s rights activists has not concluded, with officials arresting prominent women’s rights activist Hatoon al-Fassi on 27 June.[…]
Four years ago, on 6 July 2014, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced human rights lawyer and activist Waleed Abu al-Khair to 15 years in prison, a 15-year travel ban, and a fine of 200,000 Saudi riyals (approximately USD 53,000). He was sentenced on spurious terrorism charges stemming from his free expression and association, human rights[…]
The lifting of Saudi Arabia’s infamous driving ban last week leaves much to be celebrated throughout the kingdom, but the Saudi government still leaves a considerable amount to be desired where women’s rights are concerned. The Saudi government’s minimal step in promoting gender equality is an undeniable accomplishment for women’s rights activists, but only serves[…]