The Saudi police had their version of a high-profile chase scene this week in Mecca. The culprit? A woman driving. Yes, police spotted an actual woman behind the wheel of a car, which is expressly forbidden under the country’s medieval laws. What followed was an effort by the woman to escape, a small crash, and her arrest.
The twenty-something woman has been arrested and will be prosecuted. A year ago, a woman shook up the Saudi establishment by posting a video of her driving around the country, here.
Just last month, a Saudi princess publicly stated that she routinely drives outside of Saudi Arabia and wants to drive in the country. Princess Amira al-Taweel, one of the wives of tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, caused waves with her public protestations.
For the full story, click here.
There should be large signs posted at the airports in Saudi Arabia that would read:
WELCOME TO SAUDI ARABIA. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SET YOUR WATCH TO THE YEAR 1325.
rcampbell,
Remember to set your sun dial–unless those are outlawed too!
Jill,
When sun dials are outlawed only outlaws will have sundials.
Let’s ask Saudi Arabia! They’ll know.
If it’s too dark to read your sundial, is it okay to burn a witch to see what time it is?
Buddha,
Where’s Cotton Mather when you need him?
Gyges,
I haven’t seen Cotton in a while, but I “have information” (ala Howard County Police Chief William J. McMahon) that Mr. Mather currently resides in Rush Limbaugh’s “medicine” cabinet. Or his pants. Either way I’m for sending in the SWAT. But if this matter ever goes to trial, I’ve got a lawyer for them –
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20090306/magician-lawyer/
The first time I saw a woman driving while wearing a full hajab (in Aqaba), it was the damnest thing I’d ever seen. How she could see was beyond me.
Secretary of State Clinton, I sincerely hope, will be a champion of women’s human rights. She was as a Senator.
With out dated laws like these you would think the chase would have been on horseback not a automobile.