Lashed for driving

genesis
By genesis

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15079620

A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a woman to 10 lashes for breaking the country's ban on female drivers.

The woman, identified only as Shema, was found guilty of driving in Jeddah in July.

Women2drive, which campaigns for women to be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, says she has already lodged an appeal.

In recent months, scores of women have driven vehicles in Saudi cities in an effort to put pressure on the monarchy to change the law.

The sentence comes two days after the Saudi leader King Abdullah announced women would be allowed to vote for the first time in 2015.

Two other women are due to appear in court later this year on similar charges, correspondents say.

By Xena• 1 Oct 2011 12:44
Rating: 4/5
Xena

The(re) is no law banning women from driving. But the minister of interior formally banned women from driving following the protest staged in 1990.Ajrush was one of the women who took part in the protest.http://en.news.maktoob.com/20090001098512/Saudi_king_revokes_womanRead more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/2145319#ixzz1ZWPZoiyM

By JohnnyBravo• 1 Oct 2011 10:02
JohnnyBravo

Nice reply John lalay

By JohnnyBravo• 1 Oct 2011 09:55
JohnnyBravo

Nice Reply:)

By britexpat• 30 Sep 2011 02:17
britexpat

I have witnessed a woman driving in a time of emergency .. But it was an extreme case

By John Lalay• 30 Sep 2011 01:29
John Lalay

let assume, in that case she doesn't have driving license, and definitely she'll need someone to drive her. 

By agentpaper• 30 Sep 2011 01:11
agentpaper

how about in case of emergency and shes the only one who can drive at that time is it not practicality should applied?

By John Lalay• 30 Sep 2011 00:52
John Lalay

Finally the chapter closed, now will love to see genesis with new thread in memory of poor syrians who lost their lives and many are still suffering.

By JohnnyBravo• 29 Sep 2011 10:21
Rating: 2/5
JohnnyBravo

well it is their Law of the land and has to be respected by the people living there....U cant enter in Singapore until you TICK the checkbox DEATH TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS in their Visa form...but In US and UK the law is different

By anonymous• 29 Sep 2011 10:12
anonymous

Actually many saudi women have international liscenses and even those who don't, many still know how to drive as they are taught by their brothers, husbands and fathers. Not having a liscense doesn't mean you don't know how to drive.

By FathimaH• 29 Sep 2011 08:43
Rating: 2/5
FathimaH

Hafidhullah king Abdullah. May Allah guide him to always doing what's right.. Aameen. He is afterall the one trialed and blessed to be the guardian of the two holy masjids not to mention the ruler of the two greatest cities in Islam. This is great news indeed...makes me more certain Inshallah our sisters in Saudi will see the change they want and I pray this will strengthen the land and not bring about any calamities.

By britexpat• 29 Sep 2011 08:16
britexpat

King Abdullah is treading a fine line and trying to bering in reforms - probably as his legacym since he's in his late 80s now..

By genesis• 29 Sep 2011 07:08
genesis

http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/saudi-woman-drivers-lashing-sentence-revoked-by-king-abdullah

JEDDAH // King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has revoked a sentence of 10 lashes imposed on a woman for breaking the ban on women driving in the kingdom, a Saudi princess said yesterday on her Twitter account.

Princess Amira Al Taweel, wife of the Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, said: "Thank God, the lashing of Sheima is cancelled. Thanks to our beloved King. I'm sure all Saudi women will be so happy, I know I am.

"In tough times we stand together; in good times we celebrate together," the princess said. "I'm proud to be Saudi. To all Active Saudi women thank u for ur efforts."

Sheima Jastaniah was sentenced on Monday by a court in Jeddah, where she was caught driving in July, a rights activist said.

"We were shocked that she was sentenced to 10 lashes," the activist said, adding that Ms Jastaniah would appeal against the verdict.

The sentence came a day after the king announced that women would be allowed to vote and to run in municipal polls, and to join the all-appointed Shura (consultative) Council.

By Alumnar• 28 Sep 2011 23:24
Alumnar

Happy to see you had a laugh about it. I do hope and wish for them to get this approval soon. With so many changes happening in the Arab World around them I can only understand how frustrated they must feel. I do hope they are patient enough to win this cause with the help of their brain instead of with the help of their husbands' Landcruisers and driving skills *chuckles*

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 23:18
FathimaH

That's hilarious and quite logically true...ROFL! Seriously...I just called up my sister and told her what you said and we were both lol ing about it..ha ha!But yes I agree it is important for the women of Saudi to do all they can, legally, to have this ban removed pronto. It will happen,Inshallah, and patience and perseverance is most essential here.Getting emotional and breaking the law will not work,God knows, when it comes to the Saudi rulers. They need to be very tactful and I feel more women entering into high positions will be the key,Inshallah. 

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 22:24
Rating: 2/5
britexpat

Many ladies dive on private farms and desert.. But yes, I wouldn't like to be on the same road as them :O)

By Alumnar• 28 Sep 2011 21:53
Alumnar

Just to lighten up this topic and as Pilgram suggested Saudi ladies take to the roads and just drive... they don't have driving licenses AND don't know how to drive! Can you imagine how that would look from the air, cars crashed into each other and pointing in every direction? *chuckles*

On a serious note - it would be wonderful to see some 'evolution' in Saudi, some changes are long overdue and won't harm the 'superior men'. Allowing ladies to drive is one of the main changes well overdue. Equal rights, Saudi? Maybe one day - Insha'Allah. Be patient and continue to make 'discreet noise' until you ALL become a 'voice to be heard' and a 'force to be reckoned with'.

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 19:17
FathimaH

This is for sure,Inshallah. However along with all the positive changes there will also be those, not so pleasing to us, changes that will occur and that is something I do worry about,constantly! And this is not just in Saudi alone but all around the world.

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 19:13
britexpat

It is clear that change is in the offing - perhaps not as quickly as we would wish , but it is happening.

By FlyingAce• 28 Sep 2011 18:52
FlyingAce

I Was expecting this to happen....You can't expect good from the Saudi Ruiling Elite...

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 18:27
britexpat

You obviously have little understanding of the Saudi leadership psyche or their ability to use force as and when neccessary :O(  

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 17:44
anonymous

In Saudi religious bigotry prevails over government policies and decision making. King Abdullah is actually a reformer but is opposed by the Ulamas who have their own reasons not to go for a change and be at par with the world around them. This means that reforms would be slow, if they happen at all.

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 13:37
anonymous

It worked in a democracy! It won't work in a country ruled by tyrants!They shoot their own people if necessary!

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 13:35
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

while i'm normally against breaking the law as a form of protest, in certain cases, i don't think there is any other way do not.  i think this applies to laws that are either incredibly obsolete or incredibly prejudiced against a particular race, religion or gender.  the saudi driving law covers both of these, it is both obsolete and biased.  i think saudi ladies need to take to their cars in such numbers that the authorities can't possibly fine or lash them all. and they should continue to do so until the laws change.  it worked for the african americans in the states and it will work for them to.

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 10:56
britexpat

Why do people always take the topic away from the initial discussion :O(

By Broom-Broom Red• 28 Sep 2011 10:42
Broom-Broom Red

this law should be imposed in qatar especially for the RECKLESS LAND CRUISERS..... i'd be happy to lashed one of those drivers.

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 09:43
anonymous

exlegend u too shld be lashed for causing pollution ard Doha

By EXLegend• 28 Sep 2011 09:23
EXLegend

if they can implement that in qatar too.. then at least i can reach office on time.

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 09:12
anonymous

they shld start lashing in qatar also

By jakula89• 28 Sep 2011 08:59
jakula89

let's say half of veiled women around the world are your friends, meaning half of it aren't, right? i'm not saying all of them.. but in saudi mostly their faces are covered... even here in a qatar. i saw few women with full-covered faces... accident happens to anyone... even if you have a good eyeisg or vision...or a professional driver... but what more if you're driving with your face covered? i mean even if your eyes aren't covered still you'll be having blind spots, right? anyways, it's just my point of view... peace!

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 08:51
FathimaH

Oh wow....that I'd love to see,seriously!

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 08:48
britexpat

There's a Niqabi lady in London who drives a double decker bus - She Rocks!

By nashpp• 28 Sep 2011 08:44
nashpp

The name as soudi arabia is a family name of king abdulla......soudi rules by this family ...and i dont know how much knoledge they have in islam and quran....nobody can condemn quran or islam bcz of this family rule in soudi....quran speak past present and future......

By nashpp• 28 Sep 2011 08:44
nashpp

The name as soudi arabia is a family name of king abdulla......soudi rules by this family ...and i dont know how much knoledge they have in islam and quran....nobody can condemn quran or islam bcz of this family rule in soudi....quran speak past present and future......

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 08:21
anonymous

I want Veil for my car!http://www.blinder.net/veil.htm

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 08:13
FathimaH

Non of my veiled friends around the world have ever been in any acidents till now. In fact all the women I know who have caused major accidents were not even in hijab. So how can you claim the face cover can cause an accident. We cover our faces(cheeks,nose,forhead,and chin)...not our eyes! 

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 08:12
FathimaH

Just 10? Nah...they deserve more than that,inhuman as I may sound to some people!

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 08:08
anonymous

I agree, Fatimah, all drivers, male or fermale, should be given 10 lashes if they use the mobile!!! And that's not "double standard" sajmarhab. Maybe you don't know: using the mobile while driving is illegal in Qatar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jakula89• 28 Sep 2011 08:06
Rating: 4/5
jakula89

for me, i thin k it would be much better if women in saudi won't be allowed to drive... one reason is because they are driving with covered face... they will be prone in accident and other lives might put in danger... just my two cents...

By britexpat• 28 Sep 2011 08:06
britexpat

The transition to women being allowed to drive in Saudi has begun and is irreversible. The only issue is the timescale.

By randomguy• 28 Sep 2011 08:06
randomguy

Yes banning Pardha and putting fines is EXACTLY like lashing women for driving.

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 08:05
FathimaH

Rest assured we niqabis can see very well and are no more dangerous than our non veiled sisters as far as driving goes!As for the mobiles I agree but neither should men. The other day my hubby was telling me of a collegue who proudly uses not one but two phones when behind the wheel. Now that's BAD!

By sajmarhab• 28 Sep 2011 08:05
sajmarhab

When France, belgium and Canada (?) banned pardha, you guys are said that, it is French rule, citizen had to obey...

 

so Y not in saudi...? it is saudi rule, they those are residents, and visitors should follow... the problemo solved...

By hislam• 28 Sep 2011 07:53
hislam

about a certain topic would he / she be more seeking clarification or simply judging a religion???!!!!

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 07:51
anonymous

It's okay. Women should not drive unless the learn NOT to use their mobile. I also have severe concerns about their ability to properly see while wearing a veil. It's a security risk!

By hislam• 28 Sep 2011 07:51
hislam

that whatever KSA is doing is what Islam asks for

By hislam• 28 Sep 2011 07:45
hislam

It's amazing how some people dare to judge!

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 07:43
FathimaH

But the one thing that worries me is that will it work in the reverse. IE due to women breaking the law to get what they want will it then make the goverment more determined to stand their ground. Afterall they might see it as :if they abolish this law due to people breaking them and being defiant then what will they protest against next? I still believe its better to chose legal ways of trying to change the law. Just the way women are now allowed to vote Inshallah very soon they may very well be permitted to drive.

By Khanan• 28 Sep 2011 07:30
Rating: 2/5
Khanan

is blessing in disguise. If she was not arrested, there will be no media coverage and pressure on KSA to abolish the ban.

 

By genesis• 28 Sep 2011 07:18
genesis

The more this story gets an international coverage , the more chance the verdict is changed

An Internet petition called last night appealing to Saudi king to halt the verdict

http://www.change.org/petitions/saudi-arabia-dont-whip-women-for-driving

In an exclusive interview to arabnews, Shayma expressed her dismay at the sentence. “I am still in shock and I cannot think straight because of what I have had to go through. I will appeal the sentence.”

She told Arab News that she drove only once and it was before high-profile campaigner for women driving Manal Al-Sharif was caught. Shayma holds an international driving license.

Shayma's lawyer Adnan Al-Saleh told Arab News that his client was waiting for a fair and just decision on women driving.

He said women driving is not considered in any way a criminal charge in Saudi law or Islamic teachings.

“This is not an issue related to morals or custom nor is it a crime that requires punishment. The courts now consider any woman driving a car without a Saudi driving license to be committing a crime punishable by lashes. It means that any woman caught driving in the future will suffer the same punishment, and maybe even prison,” he said.

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article507949.ece

By FathimaH• 28 Sep 2011 05:36
FathimaH

As many QLers are aware I'm always against breaking laws of any land no matter how crazy they maybe. And in the case of the OP my opinion remains the same just as I was against the women in France,who knowing it was illegal, still adorned the niqab(even though I am a niqabi myself).Driving for women is not un Islamic. The women of the past, even during the time of the Prophet, rode animals! This law came about for many reasons in Saudi many years back and since then many Muslim scholars have made it clear that women can in fact drive according to Islam, but  the Saudi government does not wish to accept this,yet. Hopefully with the new moves permiting women to vote and run for seats this law too will soon come to an end,Inshallah.I support all the Muslimahs who are legally lobbying to change the law in legally accepted methods but the lady mentioned in the OP was wrong. Breaking laws to get your rights is not the way to bring about change no matter how oppressive one may find the laws.As for lashing and inhuman then I do think of the ladies in France who was "cruelly" arrested for wearing the niqab an act many Muslims and even non Muslims found inhuman.Personally,painful as they both are, I'd rather be lashed ten times(Oh I do know how that feels!) than spend months in a prison with possibly violent inmates,abusive wardens, and diseases to say the least!Like wise many people find the death penalty being applied even for child abuse,murder and rape to be inhuman. We find many Expats here in Qatar complaining that the laws of the land are "backward" and "oppressive".Bottom line is don't do the crime if you can't do the time!And I do still pray the lady will be pardoned and the lashing halted. 

By anonymous• 28 Sep 2011 05:30
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

Saudi is still in the dark ages and they chose to be there..I wonder where is it written in the Sharia that women will not drive or is it the interpretations of the wahabi MCPs.

By John Lalay• 28 Sep 2011 01:57
John Lalay

I'm not against women drive, but when it comes to the law of the land, everyone should give respect and must follow it. 

By edifis• 28 Sep 2011 00:55
Rating: 2/5
edifis

Poor woman! May be she didn't want to breastfeed her driver or didn't have any milk.....

By randomguy• 27 Sep 2011 23:23
Rating: 4/5
randomguy

Ah the driver was one Shayma Jastaniah.. Holds an international driving license but can't drive in her home country.. Irony.

By britexpat• 27 Sep 2011 23:15
Rating: 5/5
britexpat

I am all for women being allowed to drive. I also totally support these women who have stood up for their beliefs. I am sure they will win and women will be allowed to drive sooner - rather than later.

I would however suggest that there is a major difference between "flogging" and "lashes" - artistic license by Amnesty.

By randomguy• 27 Sep 2011 23:05
Rating: 2/5
randomguy

Isn't the woman Najalaa Harrir?

By genesis• 27 Sep 2011 22:59
Rating: 5/5
genesis

“Flogging is a cruel punishment in all circumstances but it beggars belief that the authorities in Saudi Arabia have imposed lashes on a woman apparently for merely driving a car,” said Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Philip Luther.

The sentence was passed by a court in Jeddah today. Two other women are believed to be facing charges for driving, one in Jeddah and one in al-Khobar.

The Minister of Interior has formally banned women from driving in Saudi Arabia since 1990, when a group of women staged a driving protest to challenge a customary ban in place until then.

Earlier this year an online campaign called on women who hold international driving licences to start driving on Saudi Arabian roads.

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/flogging-sentence-saudi-arabian-woman-after-driving-beggars-belief-2011-09-27-0

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