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outlier -> RE: Sentenced to ten lashes for driving car. (12/8/2011 12:14:27 PM)
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It appears the woman had the bad fate to be caught up in
a political battle among the powers that be. When the elephants
fight it is the ants that get trampled.
"Normally, police just stop female drivers, question them and let them go after they sign a pledge
not to drive again. But dozens of women have continued to take to the roads since June in a
campaign to break the taboo.
Making Tuesday's sentence all the more upsetting to activists is that it came just two days after
King Abdullah promised to protect women's rights and decreed that women would be allowed
to participate in municipal elections in 2015. Abdullah also promised to appoint women to a currently
all-male advisory body known as the Shura Council.
The mixed signals highlight the challenge for Abdullah, known as a reformer, in pushing gently for
change without antagonizing the powerful clergy and a conservative segment of the population.
Abdullah said he had the backing of the official clerical council. But activists saw Tuesday's sentencing
as a retaliation of sorts from the hard-line Saudi religious establishment that controls the courts and
oversees the intrusive religious police."
Aside: This is a serious issue with serious possibly international repercussions. It is much
bigger than personal drama and/or infantile Me, Me, Me. It is a topic which has ramifications
worthy of serious discussion among adults. Are you sure you didn't post it here by mistake?
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