Saudi Journalist To Be Flogged for Airing Interview Involving Sexual Boasts

In an attack both on free speech and the free press, Saudia Arabia has ordered a female journalist to be flogged 60 times for airing an interview with a man who bragged about his sex life. Rosanna Al-Yami was also given a two-year travel ban for her role in the episode of “A Thick Red Line,” a popular show on social taboos.

On the episode, Mazen Abdul Jawad bragged about sex. He was given a sentence of five years in prison and 1,000 lashes.

The world has become accustomed to outrageous sentencings under Sharia law courts. However, this pushes even prior Saudi cases to an unprecedented degree with a direct attack on journalists. This case comes in the aftermath of the Obama Administration supporting a United Nations resolution that recognized the need to balance free speech and free press rights with a respect for religion. It also called on reporters to show more restraint and responsibility. For a prior column, click here.

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