NewsSaudi ArabiaHuman Rightsuk news

Prince Charles' Visit To Saudi Arabia Should Be The Time For Human Rights Questions

7 Questions Prince Charles Should Ask While In Saudi Arabia (But Probably Won't)
Chris York
|

Prince Charles is currently on a six-day tour of the Middle East and reports suggest he is set for a confrontation with Saudi officials over the fate of a blogger sentenced to 1,000 lashes.

Raif Badawi was handed the draconian punishment and imprisoned for 10 years for criticising Saudi Arabia's powerful clerics and ridiculing the country's morality police on a liberal blog he founded.

The flogging is to be administered over 20 weekly sessions, with 50 lashes each week, the fist of which was last month.

Open Image Modal

The Prince in Riyadh last year

According to reports, Prince Charles is to raise the issue with Saudi Arabia's new king, Salman bin Abdulaziz, who took the throne after the death of King Abdullah in January.

While no doubt a good start, here are seven other topics Prince Charles should raise while in Saudi Arabia.

7 Questions Prince Charles Should Ask While In Saudi Arabia (But Probably Won't)
When will women be allowed to make their own choices?(01 of07)
Open Image Modal
Saudi women and girls can not travel, conduct business and even undergo certain medical procedures without the permission of their male guardians. The guardianship system remains in force despite the government pledging to get rid of it. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
When will women be subject to the same laws that govern men?(02 of07)
Open Image Modal
Women are still barred from driving and are subject to strict clothing requirements in public. A women cannot unilaterally divorce her husband and will often face discrimination when attempting to obtain custody of children. (credit:FAYEZ NURELDINE via Getty Images)
When will migrant workers be treated fairly?(03 of07)
Open Image Modal
There are over 9 million migrant workers in Saudi Arabia many working in conditions tantamount to slavery. A sponsorship system is open to abuse from employers who often enforce work by withholding passports and wages. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
When will Saudi Arabia stop executing people including children?(04 of07)
Open Image Modal
Saudi Arabia routinely imposes the death penalty and performs sentences in public. Children can be tried and sentenced if any physical signs of puberty are evident. (credit:REX)
When will people be allowed to worship who they please?(05 of07)
Open Image Modal
Public worship of any religion other than Islam is not tolerated in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, religious minorities are also targeted including those within Islam such as Twelver Shia. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
When will women be able access sports?(06 of07)
Open Image Modal
Saudi Arabia's Shura Council is only just contemplating the possibility of allowing girls to have physical education lessons in schools. Recently a Saudi Arabian official suggested the country would hold a segregated Olympics. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
When will you stop imprisoning people for defending human rights?(07 of07)
Open Image Modal
Saudi Arabia routinely detains and imprisons activists. Human rights lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair was jailed for 15 years after assisting international media cover the 2011 protests in Eastern Province. His wife is now also subject to a travel ban after calling for his release. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)

READ MORE

King Abdullah Of Saudi Arabia Receives Touching Tributes - And How We Should Also Remember Him

Michelle Obama's Face Says It All In Saudi Arabia

(Data from Human Rights Watch 2015 world report)

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip